Grant Program

Maryland Urban Agriculture Commercial Lending Incentive Grant

A grant incentive for beginning urban farmers seeking commercial lender financing.

Program Oveview

This grant is designed to provide an incentive for beginning urban farmers to seek commercial lender financing for the development of their urban agricultural enterprises, including the purchase of a farm property in an eligible urban area. MARBIDCO has partnered with Horizon Farm Credit to establish and manage this fund. Call us today for more information on how to apply for this grant at 410-267-6807.

Eligibility

Applicants must be Beginning Urban Farmers, which are defined as being farmers (either individuals or incorporated businesses) with the principal operator(s) having:

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10 or fewer years of commercial farming experience – either in a for-profit or not-for-profit setting or having limited personal or business financial resources (net worth less than $300,000);

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A commercial food/fiber growing operation located in an urban area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and ​any incorporated municipality recognized by the State of Maryland.

$15,000

Maximum for equipment and working capital

$35,000

Maximum for real property

$1,000

Minimum grant

25%

Maximum share of project cost

urban_farming_extra_pic_7 baltimore magazine

Beginning urban farmers face major challenges, but despite these challenges, they are uniquely positioned for niche food business success due to several characteristics. Because beginning urban farmers operate small growing operations and must maximize productivity, they are known to be innovative, thrifty, and resourceful.

In addition, they are keenly aware of the interaction between their farming operations, the environment, and the community in which they operate.

They know how to market and distribute their fresh products locally in an impactful and profitable manner, particularly in retail settings (e.g., farmers’ markets, sidewalk stands, etc.).

Some urban farmers do not utilize just one distribution channel, but they optimize their distribution channel mix (both wholesale and retail) to achieve desired business results.

Despite these advantages, the up-front costs of starting a growing operation are typically too great for many beginning urban farmers, and few financing programs are available to help meet their needs. This is where MARBIDCO can help…

Eligible Business Activities

  • Real estate
  • Agricultural inputs and supplies
  • Farm tools and equipment
  • Greenhouses, high tunnels, refrigeration, and irrigation systems
  • Hired labor, capped at 20% of eligible project cost

Commercial Lender Participation

Required. A commercial lender must approve a loan before a grant is awarded.

Grant Limits

The grant may not exceed 33% of the approved commercial loan. A minimum $1,000 grant requires an approved commercial loan of at least $3,000.

Terms and Conditions

Disbursement

Funds are disbursed on a schedule determined when the grant is awarded.

Application Requirements

Applicants must verify commercial lender or Farm Service Agency proceeds are available. Recipients may not materially deviate from approved business plans without MARBIDCO and lender approval.

Application Process

Application Submission Process

1

Verify financing

Confirm commercial lender or Farm Service Agency proceeds are available.

2

Complete application

Complete the application and supporting materials.

3

Submit application

Send to:

MARBIDCO Urban Agricultural Grant, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or info@marbidco.org.