Agricultural Innovation & Equipment Grant is Now Closed

The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development announces that on June 6, 2023, the Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve funding from the Washington County Hotel Rental Tax Fund for a grant program designed exclusively for Washington County, Maryland agricultural businesses, farms, and farm owners.  

The Washington County, Maryland Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant was approved and funded in the amount of $300,000 to be awarded over a three-year period.  Applicants can apply to receive the grant in amounts of $1,000.00 to $25,000.00.   

Grant request examples include expanding marketing efforts, business development and outreach, expand or add value added endeavors, increase farm viability, increase demonstration, conservation and research improvements, production building upgrading for physical structure used exclusively for animal agricultural purposes, business supplies, construction improvements to assist with consumer/customer outreach, expand advertising, offer new promotions and for agricultural expansion products are just a few examples.    

Applications will be available starting July 31, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. on the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development’s website at https://wcmd.info/ag-innovation-grant.  The grant period opens July 31, 2023, at 8:00 a.m., EST, and will remain open until August 21, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., EST.   

Completed applications will be processed and awarded on application total score and in the event of tie, applications are prioritized on a first come, first serve basis. Eligibility requirements, grant performance, use of funds, and limitations apply.     The grant will be awarded in the September 2023 time frame.  

 Applications will be accepted by emailing the completed application along with attachments to [email protected]  or mail directly to: 

Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development 

Attn:  Leslie Hart 

100 West Washington Street 

Suite 1401 

Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 

“It is more important now than ever to ensure the success, viability, and sustainability of our local farms.  Keeping farms healthy and growing in our county represents the backbone of our community and our largest economic driver”, said Leslie Hart, Business Development Specialist, and creator of the Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant program.   

 For questions regarding the Washington County, Maryland Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant program or eligibility, please email us at [email protected].