Maryland Certified Local Farm and Fish Food Aggregation Grant Fund Program 2025

Up to $300K for Public and Private Food Aggregation Projects

Donor: Maryland Agricultural & Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO)

About: The Certified Local Farm and Fish Food Aggregation Grant Program represents a groundbreaking opportunity for Maryland’s agricultural sector, offering substantial funding to bridge the gap between small farmers and large-scale institutional buyers. This innovative program, established through Senate Bill 985/House Bill 1488, aims to revolutionize Maryland’s local food system by creating efficient aggregation infrastructure.

MARBIDCO has allocated over $600,000 for FY 2025 to support two distinct grant tracks:

-Small-Scale Farmer Aggregation Entity Project ($25,000-$100,000)
–Perfect for farm cooperatives and agricultural product aggregators
–Requires participation of 4+ Certified Local Farm Enterprises
–Ideal for establishing processing facilities and cold storage infrastructure
–20% private matching funds required
–Empowers small farmers to access institutional markets

-Public Sector Aggregation Project ($150,000-$300,000)
–Designed for public entities (county governments, universities, school systems)
–Supports large-scale aggregation center development
–Requires commitment from 4+ certified farms or 3 farms plus 1 invasive species provider
–20% matching funds required
–Creates sustainable farm-to-institution pipelines

Need expert guidance with your grant application? Grantaura’s experienced team offers comprehensive support services including:
-Professional grant research to identify additional funding opportunities
-Strategic business plan development
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-Detailed project planning assistance
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-Specialized crowdfunding campaign management

Focus: Food aggregation, local agriculture, farm infrastructure, cold storage, processing facilities, institutional markets, wholesale distribution, food processing equipment, agricultural product distribution, farm cooperatives, public sector agriculture

Region: Maryland, United States

Eligibility:
-For Small-Scale Track:
–Agricultural Product Aggregation and Distribution Entities
–Farm Cooperatives
–Organizations working with 4+ Certified Local Farm Enterprises
–Chesapeake Invasive Species Providers (with 4+ commercial watermen)
–Must provide 20% private matching funds
–Must demonstrate commitment to sell to institutional/wholesale buyers

-For Public Sector Track:
–County Governments
–Municipalities
–Community Colleges
–Universities
–County School Systems
–Rural Regional Councils
–Must provide 20% matching funds
–Must work with 4+ certified farms or 3 farms plus 1 invasive species provider

Benefits:
-Small-Scale Track:
–Funding between $25,000 and $100,000
–Support for equipment and facility development
–Working capital (up to 20% of grant)
–Market access development
–Infrastructure improvement support

-Public Sector Track:
–Funding between $150,000 and $300,000
–Large-scale aggregation center development
–Equipment and facility funding
–Working capital allocation
–Infrastructure development support

-Eligible Expenses for Both Tracks:
–Refrigeration and storage equipment
–Processing facility construction
–Handling equipment acquisition
–Commercial kitchen development
–Light processing equipment
–Transportation infrastructure
–Working capital (maximum 20% of award)

Deadline: February 28, 2025

Terms:
-Certified Local Farm Enterprise: A farm verified by MDA with an active nutrient management plan or meeting equivalent requirements
-Chesapeake Invasive Species Provider: A licensed Tidal Fish Dealer with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
-Agricultural Product Aggregation and Distribution Entity: An organization that collects, processes, and distributes agricultural products from multiple farms
-Institutional Buyer: Educational institutions, government agencies, hospitals, or similar large-scale food service operations
-Light Processing: Basic food preparation including cutting, slicing, peeling, freezing, and dehydrating
-Working Capital: Funds for day-to-day operational expenses (limited to 20% of grant award)