Healthy Soils Competitive Fund

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its Healthy Soils Competitive Fund until March 6, 2024. This competitive grant program awards selected applicants with up to $50,000 to support three years of enhanced healthy soil practices.

The fund aims to support farmers and operators who are ineligible for other programs by providing financial assistance to manage conservation practices in new and innovative ways that improve soil health, yield, profitability, and carbon capture.

The following groups may apply for funding:

• Individual farmers operating in Maryland
• Groups of farmers operating in Maryland
• Individuals or organizations conducting research with farmers in Maryland

There are no minimum or maximum acreage requirements, and farm size will not be a consideration for project selection.

Funds may be used to:

• Support implementation of conservation practices
• Cover staff and administrative time for organizations that provide technical support to producers
• Cover research costs
• Purchase or rent equipment that supports the adoption of soil health practices.

Funds may NOT be used to cover overhead or indirect costs.

A portion of the funds, not to exceed 40%, will be distributed upfront, with the remainder dispersed annually following verification of progress.

The project is funded by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and the Moore Administration.