The fund pool was increased using American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Frederick, Md. (NS) – Select farms in Frederick County are receiving their portion of over $500,000 in Agriculture Innovation Grants.
During a public information briefing on Thursday, County Executive Jan Gardner said many farms applied.
“Now, there’s a lot of excitement in the agricultural community when I announced the grant program, and each of the first two rounds of grants had more than 30 applicants. This time around, we had 65 applications, seeking a combined total of more than $3 million, more than double the previous cycle,” said Gardner.
These are the farms who were awarded grants:
- Amber Fields Malting and Brewing
- Chestnut Hill Farm and Market
- Glamourview Creamery
- Moon Valley Farm
- Pasture Living Farm
- Chocolate and Tomatoes Farm
- Distillery Lane Ciderworks
- Good Faith Farm
- Stone Pillar Farm
She added that the grants will fund projects that will create 24 full-time jobs.
At the end of her briefing, Gardner also announced the one-time Farmer Relief Grant Program to help county farms offset the rising cost of fertilizer by providing $20 per acre of farmed land.
“To be eligible, the land, which can be owned or leased, must be physically located in Frederick County, the operation must be in good standing with the IRS, the State of Maryland, the Frederick County Government, and comply with human rights laws. The applicant must be a full time farmer, demonstrated by the fact that a majority of the operator’s gross income over the past two years must have been earned from farming,” she explained.
Farmers who want to apply for the grants have until July 15.