~ ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that it will be accepting grant applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 Healthy Soils Competitive Fund from November 3, 2025, through January 9, 2026. This program aims to provide financial support to eligible farmers and organizations in order to promote soil health practices and enhance stewardship of soil and water resources within the agricultural community.

According to Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, healthy soil is crucial for a strong and sustainable farming economy. He stated that the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund, now in its fourth year, has been popular among farms of all sizes and types. The department is looking forward to partnering with innovative Maryland farmers who are interested in implementing soil health and agroforestry practices on their farms.

Grant recipients will receive up to $50,000 over a period of three years to support enhanced soil health practices. These grants are available for both farmers and agricultural organizations with innovative projects that focus on next-level soil health practices. The program supports practices such as minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing soil cover and diversity, and increasing living roots.

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The size of the farm will not affect the approval of the grant. There is no minimum or maximum acreage requirement; however, the agricultural operation or its partners must generate a minimum of $2,500 in sales or donations annually and/or manage 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight.

Selected recipients will receive an upfront portion of up to 30% of the funds, with the remainder being distributed annually after progress is confirmed. These grants can be used for various purposes such as implementing conservation practices, purchasing equipment that supports soil health practices, and covering research, labor, and administrative costs needed to meet project goals.

Since its establishment in 2023, the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund has funded 53 projects across Maryland focusing on innovative soil health and agroforestry practices. Some of the winning projects have included intensive cover cropping for reduced input use in row crops, equipment and field trials for reduced tillage in vegetable production systems, silvopasture and windbreak establishment for livestock shade and forage, on-farm composting system improvements, and planting annual cover crops for improved summer grazing.

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This program was developed based on recommendations from Maryland's Soil Health Advisory Committee. The funding for the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund comes from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Moore Administration.

Interested applicants can find grant applications and additional soil health resources on the department's website. It is important to note that documentation confirming compliance with Maryland's nutrient management program is required at the time of application. Grant recipients will be notified on or around March 30, 2026. For more information, individuals can contact Healthy Soils Program Specialist Nick Miller at nicholas.miller2@maryland.gov or 410-980-2350.

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