MD value-added agricultural grants now available

In an effort to encourage Maryland’s agricultural producers to pursue value-added activities with financial support from USDA‘s grants program, the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corp. has announced its latest grant-funding opportunity.

Announced Jan. 15, MARBIDCO’s Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grant seeks to galvanize farmers and other agricultural producers to explore USDA Value-Added Producer Grants, a nationwide grant program with roughly $25 million available for distribution this year.

The USDA-VAPG requires a matching funds contribution that is at least equal to the grant amount, a MARBIDCO release says. Applicants to MARBIDCO’s value-added producer matching grant, or “MVAPMG,” can receive up to 15 percent of the matching funds required, according to the Annapolis-based organization.

The USDA-VAPG program aims to help farmers and ranchers by applying value-added activities to produce new products, create marketing opportunities and increase their incomes. 

MARBDICO will accept electronic applications through the VAPG application portal until 1 p.m. Eastern Time on April 15, 2026. Additional information is available on Grants.gov. Potential grant seekers may also contact Maryland’s USDA Rural Development office.

Eligible applicants include: an agricultural producer, agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative or what MARBIDCO calls a “majority-controlled producer-based business venture.” 

Applicants are expected to create value-added products as grant funds can be used for planning – up to $50,000 – or working capital expenses – up to $200,000 – in compliance with USDA regulations, according to a release. 

MARBIDCO said applicants hoping to receive MVAPMG funds must apply at least two weeks before the federal deadline. The MVAPMG electronic application deadline is 4 p.m. on April 1, 2026.