MARBIDCO NEWS

2025

  • Southern Maryland Meat Processing Grant and Loan Program partnership with MARBIDCO

    Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity designed to enhance the region’s meat processing capabilities.

    This initiative features a $200,000 no-match grant and a $250,000 loan with forgivable options, targeting capital and equipment investments in meat processing facilities. View program details here

    This two-part program aims to support local livestock farmers by expanding USDA-inspected meat processing services, thereby increasing consumers' access to fresh, locally sourced meat.

    The grant will help establish a cut-and-wrap butcher shop and a retail space dedicated to selling local meat products, addressing a vital need in the region’s agricultural infrastructure.

    Key Details of the Initiative:

    Part One: A $200,000 no-match grant for capital and equipment to establish a USDA-inspected meat processing facility.

    Part Two: A $250,000 loan administered by the Maryland Agriculture and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), featuring potentially forgivable terms.

    The funding will facilitate the creation of a regional butcher shop that provides cutting, wrapping, and labeling services locally, minimizing the need for farmers to transport their products long distances.

    Additionally, the grant will support the development of value-added services, such as smoking and sausage-making, boosting the profitability of local products.

    A Butcher's Conference info session is scheduled for March 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM. To register, please sign up here.

    Applications are due by March 31, 2025, at 4 PM. Interested applicants should submit detailed proposals, including business plans and facility specifications, to demonstrate eligibility.

    Contact Information:

    Loan Officer: Sierra Criste, MARBIDCO, scriste@marbidco.org.

    MARBIDCO Telephone Office: 410-267-6807

    Grant Officer: Craig Sewell, SMADC, csewell@tccsmd.org

    SMADC Office Mailing Address: PO Box 745, 15045 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville, MD 20646

    SMADC Telephone: Office: (301) 274-1922 ext. 17

    SMADC Cell: (410) 271-1469

    This initiative represents a significant investment in Southern Maryland's agricultural economy, aiming to enhance local food systems and support local farmers.

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    Certified Local Farm and Fish Food Aggregation Grant Fund Programs Opens January 21, 2025

MARBIDCO NEWS

2024

  • Remsberg Photo of processed meat

    Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program Opens December 2, 2024

  • cold storage

    Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program Assists Farmers and Watermen with the Purchase of Needed Cold Storage Equipment

  • Wood Products Industry Equity Investment Grant Program (WPIEI) Assists Maryland Forestry Businesses to Increase Production and Develop New Markets

  • Maryland Watermen’s Microloan Program Assists “Generational Watermen” with Purchase of Needed Equipment, Boats via Low-Interest Loans

  • MARBIDCO Announces Large Animal Veterinarian Assistance Loan Program to Attract, Retain Maryland Licensed Veterinary Professionals

  • MARBIDCO Announces Support of MDA’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program to Help Applicants Meet a Federal Matching Funds Requirement

  • Anee Arundel County Economic Development

    Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, MARBIDCO Award Total of $38,000 to Farm-Based Businesses

  • Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grant Now Available from MARBIDCO

2023

  • Wood Products Industry Equity Investment Grant Program (WPIEI) Assists Maryland Forestry Businesses to Increase Production and Develop New Markets

  • MARBIDCO Offers Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program to Assist with the Expansion of Livestock Processing Capacity in Maryland

  • MARBIDCO Offers a New Maryland Oyster Shucking House Loan Fund to Help Finance the Cost of Eligible Seafood Processing Projects

  • USDA Awards MARBIDCO With Funding to Assist with the Expansion of Livestock Processing Capacity in Maryland

UMES Small Farm Conference

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

 UMES Small Farm Conference - November

Annual Maryland Farmers Market Conference

March 11

8: 30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Registration is required to attend.

MDA, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, 21401

RMC Maryland Day

March 25

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lunches for legislators will be distributed and other local products such as blue catfish cakes and cookies from Southern Maryland. This Maryland Day event provides a unique opportunity to connect and support rural stakeholders and legislators.

Lawyer’s Mall, Annapolis, 21401

2025 Women in Agriculture Regional Conference

Governors Buy Local Cookout
 Governor Moore's Buy Local Cookout - July

March 5

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Registration is required to attend.

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, 500 Marina Club Road, Stevensville, MD 21666