The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites applications from interested producers and organizations working with farmers wishing to take the next step in improving soil health.
Donor Name: Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)
State: Maryland
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/07/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
The Healthy Soils Competitive Fund seeks to strengthen that leadership. Producers will be able to propose new and innovative management of conservation practices for their farms, amplifying their proven stewardship of soil and water resources, and building on soil health knowledge in the agricultural community. In addition to climate benefits, healthy soils have water quality benefits, can improve farm profitability, and increase resilience.
Funding Information
- Available funding for the Healthy Soils Program is up to $900,000 for the 2025 cycle.
- The Healthy Soils Competitive Fund has a competitive application process with a maximum award of $50,000 to support 3 years of new and innovative conservation practice management.
Types of Projects
Financial assistance is available to manage conservation practices in new and innovative ways that improve soil health, yield, and profitability and capture carbon. Eligible practices include:
- Cover Crops
- Conservation Tillage
- Pasture and Hay Planting
- Conservation Cover
- Critical Area Planting
- Conservation Crop Rotation
- Nutrient Management
- Integrated Pest Management
- Prescribed Grazing
- Soil Carbon Amendment
The following agroforestry practices are also eligible for funding:
- Alley Cropping
- Hedgerow Planting
- Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment
- Silvopasture
- Tree and Shrub Establishment
Who is Eligible?
- Individual farmers operating in Maryland
- Groups of farmers operating in Maryland
- Individuals or organizations conducting research with farmers in Maryland (participating farms must be named in the application)
- You may apply for funding for more than one conservation practice
For more information, visit MDA.
