SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP PROGRAM

The Small Acreage Cover Crop Program sign-up period will run from March 3 through April 25, 2025. 

Producers who are planting 10 acres or less of cover crops are encouraged to apply. The grant will help pay for up to $1,500 per year per grower. Those planting more than 10 acres of cover crops should see the regular Cover Crop page. Enrollment in that program happens around the end of June to the beginning of July each year. 

For assistance in applying for the Small Acreage Cover Crop Program, please go to the Garrett Soil Conservation office at 1916 Maryland Hwy, Suite C, Mt Lake Park, MD 21550. To make an appointment call 301-334-5886 or email miranda.rounds2@maryland.gov.

Or, you can mail the completed application and documents to Maryland Department of Agriculture, Conservation Grants, c/o Bill Tharpe, 500 Harry S Trueman Parkway, Room 207, Annapolis, MD 21401 or email to bill.tharpe@maryland.gov. For questions, you should call Bill Tharpe at 410-980-6160 or email him.

Details About the Small Acreage Cover Crop Program

The Small Acreage Cover Crop Program is the first in a series of grants that are going to be available to small-scale farmers. Its goal is to increase community access to healthy foods by helping farmers improve the management of their natural resources.

Urban and small-scale producers who may not qualify for traditional cover crop programs are encouraged to apply for these small farm cover crop grants. Here are the program highlights: 
 
  • Urban agricultural growers and small farmers who plant ten (10) or fewer acres of a cover crop may apply for the cover crop grants.
  • Farm must generate $1000 per year in sales to be eligible.
  • Eligible species to be planted include cover crop seed mixes or single cereal grains. 
  • Cover crops may be planted in open fields, raised beds, or a high tunnel following the harvest of a production crop (vegetables, herbs, flowers, sorghum, soybeans, hemp, millet, or tobacco).
  • Growers should plant fall cover crops following seed company recommendations, but no later than November 30 of the year.
  • Growers will be reimbursed based on paid receipts with a maximum payment of up to $1,500 per growing season.
  • Eligible expenses include the cost of seeds including shipping costs, labor up to $15 per hour, custom services, and equipment rental fees. Note that it only covers equipment rental fees and not equipment purchases.
  • All claims for payment and associated documents must be received by December 31, 2025 to receive payment.

The application will require a map of the crop area which can be either an aerial photograph or a hand-drawn sketch.  Additionally, a Nutrient Management Certification Form or Nutrient Management Waiver must be included. 

For more information about how to obtain a Nutrient Management plan please contact our office at 301-501-5886 or email seth.metheny1@maryland.gov.

The Small Acreage Cover Crop program is funded by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and managed by the department’s Conservation Grants Program. 

Enrollment is closed for 2024. Look for the 2025 enrollment around March or April of 2025.

Requirements & Agreement
Application for Cover Crop Grant

More About the Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program

A group of white and red chickens on grass cover crops
What is the Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program?

Maryland Department of Agriculture’s new Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program provides financial assistance to support small-scale agricultural operations located in urban, peri-urban, rural, and suburban areas. It aims to increase community access to healthy foods by helping farmers improve their management of natural resources.

The Small Acreage Cover Crop Program is part of the Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program.

Individuals, organized for-profit agricultural businesses, or non-profit organizations may apply for the grants. The operation must produce farm products that generate a minimum of $1,000 of sales or donations annually.  In addition, the grantee is responsible for all local, state, or federal regulations and permits necessary for the agricultural operation. The farm product must be grown or raised in the state of Maryland. The following types operations are eligible: 

  • Any agricultural, horticultural, vegetable, or fruit product of the soil, whether raw or canned, frozen, dried, pickled, or otherwise processed;    
  • Livestock, meats, marine food products, poultry, eggs, or dairy products;  
  • Equine operations;
  • Wool, hides, feathers, or honey;
  • Any product of farm, forest, orchard, garden, or water. 
More Information about Grant