Program Overview
MARBIDCO offers this affordable loan program to meet the unique financing needs of Maryland landowners wanting to establish or expand vineyards, orchards, and hop yards.
A major aim is to increase viable commercial acreage in Maryland. MARBIDCO provides low-cost financing with a private commercial lender. The Maryland Wineries Association and Maryland Grape Growers Association support the program.
Eligible Expenses
The requested financial assistance from MARBIDCO must relate to the installation of new vineyards, tree fruit orchards, or hop yards, including, but not limited to:
Tractors, pickup trucks, and winemaking equipment are not eligible under this program, but may be eligible under MRBIFF and the Agribusiness Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund.
$15,000
Minimum loan
$100,000
Maximum loan
1%
Origination fee
10%
Typical equity requirement
Loan Terms and Conditions
Option 1
5.00% for the first three years, then 6.25% for the remainder of the loan term.
Option 2
6.25% fixed for the full term, with interest-only payments permitted during the first three years.
Commercial Lender Participation
Required. A commercial lender must provide a letter of referral.
Collateral and Servicing
MARBIDCO makes and services all loans. All loans must be fully collateralized.
Application Deadlines and Submission
Originate application
The applicant must originate all applications. Business professionals may assist.
Submit application
Applications are reviewed as received and typically take 3–4 weeks. Send to:
MARBIDCO Loan Programs, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or info@marbidco.org.
Review
Financial viability is reviewed by agricultural lenders and operational viability by industry or university experts..
Equity Incentive Program
The Upper Shore Regional Council and MARBIDCO offer a 5% equity contribution toward eligible loans for farmers in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's counties, up to the applicable program maximum.
Program Overview
The Maryland Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan Fund provides low-interest loans to help Maryland rural landowners establish vineyards, tree fruit orchards, and hopyards. In response to the April 21, 2026 freeze event, the Moore Administration requested MARBIDCO to consider modifications to its programs that support farmers impacted by the natural disaster. Through May 14, 2027, MARBIDCO is offering reduced-cost financing through its Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan, to eligible agricultural businesses affected financially or operationally by the freeze. Freeze Relief loans may be used for recovery needs related to eligible vineyard, hopyard and orchard operations.
Eligible Expenses:
The requested financial assistance from MARBIDCO must relate to the installation of new vineyards, tree fruit orchards, or hop yards, including, but not limited to:
Eligible Counties:
Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester, and Baltimore City.
$15,000
Minimum loan
$100,000
Maximum loan
0.25%
Origination fee, reduced from 1%
10%
Typical equity requirement
Loan Terms and Conditions
Option 1
2.00% for the first 3 years, adjusting to 3.25%.
Option 2
3.00% for the term of the loan, with up to 3 years interest only.
Commercial Lender Participation
Commercial lender referral or denial requirement waived.
Collateral and Servicing
MARBIDCO makes and services all loans. All loans must be fully collateralized.
Application Deadlines and Submission
Originate application
The applicant must originate all applications. Business professionals may assist.
Submit application
Submission deadline: May 14, 2027
MARBIDCO Loan Programs, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or info@marbidco.org.
Review
Financial viability is reviewed by agricultural lenders and operational viability by industry or university experts..