This program is made possible through a partnership between the County and the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO),  a quasi-public corporation established in 2004 by the Governor and Maryland General Assembly to:

• Develop agricultural industries and markets;
• Support appropriate commercialization of agricultural processes and technology;
• Assist with rural land preservation efforts; and
• Alleviate the shortage of nontraditional capital and credit available at affordable interest rates for investment in agricultural and resource-based businesses.

MARBIDCO achieves its mission of helping farm, forestry, and seafood businesses achieve sustainability and profitability through a variety of programs that provide business assistance and financial services. The programs promote agricultural entrepreneurship and nurture emerging and expanding food and fiber markets.

The County Council, recognizing the importance of this program and the considerable impact it achieves through a relatively small investment, approved an additional appropriation of $15,000 to expand this initiative. To date, $97,509 (County funding: $50,755 – MARBIDCO funding: $46,754) in grant funding has been provided to support 25 agricultural projects to expand farming operations in several different ways including-deer fence, agricultural well, vertical racks for microgreens, farm equipment and tools, hydroponics equipment, aquaponics equipment, refrigeration and pond repair.

For more information or to make application for this program, please contact Jacqueline Arnold at
301-590-2859 or by email at Jacqueline.Arnold@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Projects funded through ACRE cost share program