HCEDA & Grants
Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)
Agriculture in Maryland is more than just a business. It’s a vital part of the state’s identity and heritage. Thanks to the region’s four-season climate, farming ranks among Maryland’s top economic drivers, contributing over $200 million in sales and placing fifth in statewide industries. In Howard County, agricultural enterprises benefit from access to expert knowledge and innovation through the Howard county Economic Development Authority (HCEDA). The HCEDA supports local farms through its Agricultural Marketing Program, which offers events and resources to help farmers grow, diversify, and finance their operations.
HCEDA also offers a variety of agriculture-focused programs tailored specifically to local farms. Their website provides detailed information on farm programs, marketing strategies, diversification opportunities, and more. Visitors can also explore listings for farmers markets, farm-to-table options, and a searchable directory of all agricultural businesses throughout Howard County.
Agriculture Grants
Howard County is offering grant funding opportunities to preserve, support, and grow agriculture within the county. These grants are designed to encourage expansion, diversification, sustainability, and education in agriculture by supporting research, programming, and production improvements. The program is funded through the Agricultural Preservation Fund and administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) in cooperation with the Howard County Office of Agriculture (OOAG).
Through this application you may apply for one or both grants. If you apply for both grants you will be evaluated for each grant but can only be awarded one grant. An organization or farm can only receive one grant per year. Funding may support programming, research, capital investments, production, buildings, fixtures, processing facilities, or other eligible activities that facilitate the expansion, sustainability, and/or education of Howard County Agriculture.
Applications are due February 20, 2026, by 11:59 PM. Awards will be announced by March 10, 2026.
The full value of the grant must be spent by July 31, 2027 (1.5 years from issuance).
All applications will be reviewed and scored out of 200 points by a panel selected by the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Applicants that have never been awarded an EAG or AGIE grant receive a 10-point bonus. Partially completed sections may result in zero points awarded for that section. Incomplete applications will be disqualified and will not be scored. These are competitive grants, and not all applicants will receive funding. Awards are granted at the discretion of the HCEDA in cooperation with the OOAG.
Completed applications or questions regarding applications and supporting documentation should be emailed to AgGrants@howardcountymd.gov
Click link below for application. Be sure to watch our short walkthrough video for step-by-step guidance on completing your grant application, including a quick explanation of each section to help you submit a complete and accurate application.
Agricultural Innovation and Expansion Grant
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.
Enhanced Agricultural Grant
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.
