Baltimore County farmers might get much-needed relief in the form of grant funding if they need help recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced on Monday that $500,000 in grants has become available through the County’s allocation of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, which are intended to assist residents overcome sever economic challenges brought on by the pandemic.
“The importance of Baltimore County’s farms – and farmers – cannot be overstated, and we are committed to ensuring they have the resources necessary to not only recover from the long-term effects of the pandemic, but to thrive for generations to come,” said Olszewski. “Our agricultural industry is critical to our economy, preserves open space, and ensures food security for residents, which is why we are so committed to supporting and investing in this rich rural legacy.”
The applications are available now at this link, and full details about the grants are available on Baltimore County’s ARPA webpage. Baltimore County is working with the University of Maryland Extension Baltimore County Extension Advisory Council to administer the funds.
Eligible grantees will receive $5,000 to help their farm business recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds must be used by Dec. 31, 2024 on things like personnel costs, rent, mortgage, personal protective equipment, health and safety measures, supplies, goods and services, and other things needed for the operation of their farm.
Baltimore County has a total of 640 farms covering over 70,400 acres of land. Their top products are grain, soy, vegetables, and nursery plants. The vast majority (over 75%) of the farms in Baltimore County have annual sales of less than $50,000.
A farm or producer is eligible if:
- The farm has a physical location/address in Baltimore County;
- The farm or producer is in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, the State of Maryland and Baltimore County Government;
- The farm or producer is in compliance with federal, state and local human rights laws;
- The farm or producer has fewer than 500 employees and is considered a small business as defined by section three of the Small Business Act;
- The farm or producer earned the majority of its gross income from farming in 2020 and 2021.
“During the pandemic, many Baltimore County residents found themselves relying on local farmers to directly source food,” said Jo-Ann Chason, president of the Baltimore County Extension Advisory Council. “Our county farmers remained steadfast in their commitment of growing quality, nutritious and safe food while adapting their business model to fit the times. The Baltimore County Extension Advisory Council is pleased to partner with Baltimore County to distribute funds to farmers who were significantly impacted by the economic fallout caused by the pandemic.”
If the number of qualifying and complete applications exceed the amount of grant funds, the monies will be awarded on the basis of the order in which the applications were received.
Applications will be accepted via email beginning on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 9:00 am through Friday, March 24, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
For those interested in applying for this grant, Baltimore County is hosting information sessions at the Baltimore County Agricultural Center at 114 Shawan Road in Cockeysville on the following dates and times:
- Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, 9:30 am
- Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, 9:30 am
There may be more information sessions, in addition to “open office hours,” which will be announced as they become available. A video of the sessions and the presentation will be posted online for those unable to attend in person.
Applicants who need technical assistance with the process of applying may schedule an appointment with the University of Maryland Extension, Baltimore County’s Erika Crowl at 410-887-8090, or emailing Ecrowl@umd.edu.
