Maryland Department of Agriculture Issues Request for Proposals: Manure Management Technologies

Annapolis, MD— The Maryland Department of Agriculture has issued a grant solicitation for demonstration projects from vendors, businesses, and individuals offering technologies, equipment, infrastructure, or services that can improve the management and utilization of manure and other nutrient-rich, on-farm generated waste products.

Protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from excess nutrients—primarily nitrogen and phosphorus—is a top priority for Maryland and the other Bay states. Maryland farmers are required by state law to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure.  Earlier this year, the department implemented new Phosphorus Management Tool regulations to further protect waterways from phosphorus runoff. The regulations mainly impact livestock and poultry producers that use manure and poultry litter as a crop fertilizer. To help these producers comply with the new regulations, Maryland supports and invests in alternative uses for manure such as fertilizer manufacturing, composting and manure-to-energy projects that add value to the farm business model.

Maryland’s Animal Waste Technology Fund is a grant program that provides seed funding to companies that demonstrate innovative technologies to manage or repurpose manure resources. The program is a key component of Governor Larry Hogan’s broader Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative to improve water quality, strengthen agriculture, and bolster rural economies.

The Fund has $2.5 million available to invest in innovative technologies during State Fiscal Year 2016, which ends June 30, 2016. Approximately $1 million of this amount will be directed at projects with a renewable energy component. There is no maximum or minimum request. Vendors, businesses, and individuals are invited to respond to this grant solicitation which may be downloaded here. 

Proposals should be submitted by 4 p.m. local time on March 15, 2016 to: 

Ms. Louise Lawrence
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Office of Resource Conservation
50 Harry S. Truman Pkwy
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Email: louise.lawrence@maryland.gov
Fax: 410-841-5734