Agriculture

The County's convenient food kit program to promote healthy and local food choices.

The Howard County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) consists of seven board members from the local farming community. Board meetings take place throughout the year on matters related to the Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF).

The West Friendship Park Agricultural Focus Group undertook the important task of envisioning innovative agricultural programs and uses for the expansive 380-acre county-owned park in West Friendship, Maryland. Comprised of 23 individuals, including agricultural leaders, engaged citizens, dedicated elected officials, and representatives from agricultural-related county agencies, this diverse group convened over three insightful meetings to generate a report of recommendations for agricultural programs and uses at the West Friendship Park.

The Howard County Agricultural Innovation Grant is for Howard County’s agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations. Eligible applicants must be a crop or livestock producer or processor, agricultural cooperative, or primary or secondary timber products processor.

Applicants can receive grants from $1,000.00 up to $20,000.00 for research and development, production buildings, major fixtures, processing facilities, etc. There is one annual grant cycle each year. These Grants are administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority.  Grant applications will be accepted throughout the year (August – June) subject to funding availability and due by the posted June deadline.

Howard County Enhanced Agricultural Grant provides funds to the agricultural community to preserve and support agriculture in Howard County. These grants can be used for programing, research, and/or capital investments provided the grants facilitate the expansion, sustainability, and/or education of Howard County Agriculture. These Grants are administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Grant applications will be released in the month of November 2024.

Howard County is providing grants to Howard County Farmers in response to the recent heat and drought conditions in 2024.  This extreme weather has negatively affected our farmers.  These grants are administered and awarded by the Howard County Economic Development Authority in cooperation with the Howard County Office of Agriculture.

There are two drought relief grant opportunities.  The primary grant offers up to $5,000 for farm losses incurred due to the extreme weather in 2024. Primary grants are awarded on a rolling basis and will be accepted until January 30, 2025.  An additional secondary grant will be awarded as funds allow for farm operations with losses greater than $5,000 up to $25,000.  The Secondary Grant is a separate application and must be turned in by February 15, 2025. Farm Operations can apply for both the primary and secondary grant and will not receive more than a total of $30,000 in drought relief grants (Primary Grant $5,000, Secondary Grant $25,000)

All grants will be awarded at the discretion of the Howard County Economic Development Authority and the HCEDA may request additional information or documentation to verify losses.  To qualify for the Drought Relief Grant, you must have been actively farming and negatively impacted by the extreme weather in the summer of 2024.

To apply for the grant please fill out the grant application and email to AGGRANTS@howardcountymd.gov.

If you have any questions email AGGRANTS@howardcountymd.gov