Maryland Department of Agriculture Seeks Animal Waste Technology Fund Proposals

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 22, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Agriculture is now accepting grant proposals for its Fiscal Year 2024 Animal Waste Technology Fund. To be considered, please send a letter of intent to the department by October 25. The department will evaluate submissions in collaboration with the Animal Waste Technology Evaluation Committee. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full grant proposals by January 5, 2024.

The department defines animal waste as “any waste stream generated by on-farm animals or through an animal production process involving Maryland livestock. Examples include dairy wastewater, poultry processing waste, and livestock carcasses. 

Eligible projects should demonstrate the potential to:

• Enhance public health and environmental well-being,
• Offer alternative waste management solutions for the agricultural sector, and
• Have a positive economic development impact in the state.

Additional consideration will be given to projects that address climate and community benefits.

Established in 2013, the Animal Waste Technology Fund provides grants to individuals, vendors, and businesses to showcase proven, innovative technologies for managing animal waste in Maryland. These technologies may reduce nutrient levels in animal waste, change its form or function for other uses, or generate energy and marketable products from waste. Please note that projects in the research and development stage are not eligible for this grant.

To help farmers protect waterways from excess nutrients and remain profitable, Maryland invests in innovative technologies that support new uses for animal waste. These include alternative product development and manure-to-energy projects that add value to the farm business model. Many of these technology projects may also provide climate and job creation benefits. 

Maryland’s Animal Waste Technology Fund has approximately $1.35 million available to invest in innovative technologies during the Fiscal Year 2024, which ends June 30, 2024. Funding support is provided by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. Vendors, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to respond to this grant opportunity. Please visit the department’s website for complete details. All proposals must reach the department by 5 p.m. on October 25.

Ms. Alisha Mulkey

Maryland Department of Agriculture

Office of Resource Conservation

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Email: alisha.mulkey@maryland.gov

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