Urban Agriculture

Water and Power Grants

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the newly implemented Water and Power grants.

Each year, through 2027, the MDA will offer up to $500,000 in grants to Urban Farms and Community Gardens to help install electrical and water infrastructure.

Funds can be used to purchase and/or install equipment that will help provide water and electrical access to sustain the operation of the Urban Farm or Community Garden.

Must be in an Urban Area

In order to qualify, the operation must be located in an urban area, as defined by the US Census Bureau. 

Here in Garrett County, some of our urban areas do qualify. Please click on the button to the right to see the map. There are areas in downtown Oakland, Mt. Lake Park, Accident, Friendsville, and Grantsville.

Maryland Urban Agriculture Designation Map

Must Generate Sales or Donations

Additionally, the operation must make a $1000 per year in either sales or donations. 

Eligible Expenses

  • ​Eligible expenses include water meters, water pipes, irrigation hoses, electric meters, electrical lines, or other equipment authorized by the department. 
  • The grant provides up to 87.5% of the total project cost. 
  • Bids are required from authorized contractors to perform work on public roads, sidewalks, water mains, and transformers and from private contractors for on-site installation services.
Basket of many kinds of colorful vegetables
Photo by Sven Hilker

About the Program

Maryland’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program provides financial assistance to support small-scale agricultural operations in urban, peri-urban, rural, and suburban areas. Its goal is to increase community access to healthy foods by helping farmers improve their management of natural resources by adopting Bay-friendly and climate-smart farming practices. Additional programs aimed at urban and small farms are currently in the planning stages. Please check back often for new programs and updates.

Application

For more information, please contact Bill Tharpe, Program Administrator for the Small Farm & Urban Agriculture Program, at bill.tharpe@maryland.gov or 410-841-5869. 

Go to MDA Webiste

If you need local assistance, please contact our office at 301-501-5886 or seth.metheny1@maryland.gov