SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP PROGRAM
MACS is in the process of developing a grant program to assist small scale farmers. Farms need to have a minimum of 8 animal units to qualify for regular MACS funding. But with the new SMALL SCALE FARMER PROGRAM, this will not be a requirement.
The full program is still under development, however small farms are now able to take advantage of the first funding grant in the program. It is called the SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP PROGRAM, and it will help farmers who plant less than ten acres pay for cover crop planting.
Farmers know that their soil is one of their greatest assets because good soil directly affects farm productivity. Cover crops planted after produce is harvested help to nourish the soil and prevent erosion. They can add nitrogen, nutrients, and fiber to the soil which spurs plant and microbe growth. And they help stop the loss of soil through erosion.
MACS is a type of grant funding from the Maryland Department of Agriculture that is available to help farmers with conservation practices. There are many programs available to help farmers with a wide range of projects, and if you are a larger scale farmer with at least 8 animal units, visit the MACS portion of our website for more information about the regular MACS program.
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.
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.
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 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, 2023.
- Growers will be reimbursed based on paid receipts with a maximum payment of up to $1,500 per growing season.
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 2023. Look for the 2024 enrollment around March or April of 2024.
Note: Application period is now closed for 2023. Check back in spring of 2024.