MD Animal Waste Technology Grants

The MD Animal Waste Technology Grants, established by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, support innovative technologies for managing animal waste. These grants aim to reduce nutrient runoff into local waterways and promote sustainable farming practices. By funding projects that transform waste into valuable products or energy, the program not only aids farmers in meeting environmental goals but also enhances their economic viability. This initiative is part of Maryland's commitment to restoring the Chesapeake Bay's health by 2025.

Background
Established in 2013, the Animal Waste Technology Fund provides grants to individuals, vendors, and businesses to demonstrate proven innovative technologies to manage animal waste in Maryland. These technologies may reduce the amount of nutrients in animal waste, change the product form or function for alternative uses, or produce energy and other marketable products and by-products from the waste. Technologies in the research and development stage are not eligible for this grant.
Maryland and the other Chesapeake Bay watershed states are working to meet federally mandated nutrient and sediment reduction goals needed to restore the health of the ​Bay by 2025. Maryland farmers play a crucial role in helping the State meet its nutrient reduction goals.
To help farmers protect waterways from excess nutrients and remain profitable, Maryland invests in innovative technologies that support new uses for animal waste such as alternative product development and manure-to-energy projects that add value to the farm business model.