The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Competitive Fund provides financial assistance to support innovative conservation practices that enhance soil health and agroforestry initiatives. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 over three years to individual farmers, groups of farmers, and organizations conducting research in collaboration with Maryland farms. The 2025 funding cycle is open for applications from December 2, 2024, to March 7, 2025, with grant recipients announced by May 30, 2025. All applicants must comply with Maryland’s nutrient management requirements, with compliance proof required upon submission.

Eligible projects must involve the adoption or innovative management of soil health practices such as cover crops, conservation tillage, pasture planting, and soil carbon amendments. Agroforestry practices, including alley cropping, windbreak establishment, and silvopasture, are also eligible. There are no minimum or maximum acreage requirements, and farm size is not a selection criterion. Applicants may propose multiple practices and request funding for research, technical support, or equipment needed to implement soil health practices.

Grant funds can be used to implement conservation practices, cover technical and administrative support costs for organizations, and support research activities. A portion of the funds (up to 40%) is provided upfront, with subsequent payments made annually based on verified progress. However, grant funds may not be allocated to overhead or indirect costs.

The program is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Moore Administration, emphasizing soil health improvements, carbon capture, and profitability for farmers. For guidance on nutrient management compliance, applicants should contact their regional nutrient management specialist.

This grant provides Maryland farmers and agricultural organizations an opportunity to innovate and enhance their operations while contributing to soil conservation and environmental stewardship. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare detailed proposals that align with the program’s goals and scope.