ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 31, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has recently announced the recipients of the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2025. A total of 14 projects have been selected to receive a combined funding of $590,000. This pioneering grant program aims to support farms and organizations, both large and small, in adopting innovative conservation practices that benefit climate, soil, and water.

According to Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. He further emphasized the importance of agroforestry practices in enriching ecosystems, protecting local water quality, and building resilience for future generations. "We are deeply gratified and excited by the enthusiasm and creativity shown by Maryland farmers who participated in this program," said Secretary Atticks.

Established in 2023, the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund provides winning applicants with up to $50,000 over three years to support enhanced soil health and agroforestry practices. Since its inception, the grant program has supported 53 projects across the state. The innovative conservation practices supported by the fund for Fiscal Year 2025 include equipment and infrastructure improvements for adaptive grazing, planter upgrades for improved crop emergence when planting green, innovative soil health practices for vineyards, decreased tillage in vegetable production through equipment and system improvements, hazelnut alley cropping in a hay production system, silvopasture design consultation for rotationally grazed dairy herds, improved cover cropping and crop rotation practices for small-scale vegetable production, expanded leaf mulching for weed suppression and input reduction in vegetable production, and drone use for expanded multi-species cover crop establishment in row crops.

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The Healthy Soils Competitive Fund was developed based on recommendations from the Soil Health Advisory Committee. Funding support is provided by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund as well as the Moore-Miller administration's Climate Solutions Now Act. In its third year, the program received 57 applications from farmers across the state, with 14 being selected for funding. In addition to implementing the conservation practices listed above, grant awardees will also share their progress during the project.

For those interested in applying for the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund for Fiscal Year 2026, the annual open enrollment will take place for 10 weeks beginning in November 2025. Updates and more information about the program can be found on its website. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages farmers and organizations to take advantage of this opportunity to support sustainable agriculture and contribute to a healthier environment.

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