Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program

The Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program was created to assist with the expansion of livestock processing capacity in Maryland. This program offers grants to eligible applicants to purchase livestock and meat processing equipment and/or upgrade facilities to help increase production in Maryland, with a particular focus on large-animal and blue catfish processing. Smaller-scale poultry processing projects may also be eligible.

Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program

Overview

MARBIDCO established the Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program to help expand livestock processing capacity in Maryland. MARBIDCO will contribute up to 50% towards the eligible costs, with a maximum grant award amount of $50,000 for USDA-inspected slaughter facility projects (including meat and blue catfish processing), and a maximum grant award amount of $20,000 for other USDA-inspected facilities, custom-exempt processing, or mobile processing projects.

Terms and Conditions

Minimum Amount of Grant: $5,000 

Maximum Amount of Grant: $50,000 per project for USDA-inspected slaughter facilities $20,000 per project for other USDA-inspected facilities, custom-exempt, or mobile processing projects

Match Required: Applicants are required to pay at least 50% of eligible project costs.

Application Deadline: Round 2: September 16, 2024 (electronic submissions are encouraged)

Tilghman Island Seafood processing equipment grants 
Photo: Tilghman Island Seafood

Eligible applicants include individuals and businesses who currently operate livestock and meat processing enterprises in Maryland and those who can start such operations by December 1, 2024. These applicants can include sole proprietorships, partnerships, cooperatives, corporations, or LLCs.

Eligible expenses: Grant funds (and matching funds paid by the applicant) must be used to purchase livestock and meat processing equipment and/ or upgrade facilities for USDA-inspected facilities, custom-exempt, or mobile processing projects. Eligible expenses incurred before July 15, 2024, cannot be reimbursed using these grant funds.

Disbursement of Funds: All applicants should expect to purchase or order equipment by no later than December 31, 2024. Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis (proof of payment required) or MARBIDCO can directly pay vendors with submission of approved invoices.

For more information about the Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program and to submit an application, contact Sierra Criste, by email at scriste@marbidco.org or by telephone at (410) 267-6807. (Electronic submissions are encouraged.) To mail an application: MARBIDCO, Livestock Processing Grant, Attn: Sierra Criste, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403