Today, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner and County Council President MC Keegan-Ayer announced the latest round of Agricultural Innovation Grants.

County leadership announced several grant recipients and gave an overview of the projects. This round saw more than 30 applicants, and the County was able to award more than $300,000 to local businesses. Recipients will put the money to good use by improving their business operations through the purchase of new equipment, updates to existing equipment, or hiring new employees. The County Executive noted the importance of agriculture in Frederick County, and highlighted County efforts to bolster the industry.

According to the County:

The intention of the Agricultural Innovation Grant is to improve economic viability of the agriculture industry by encouraging Frederick County’s agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations. Eligible applicants must be a crop or livestock producer, value added producer, agricultural cooperative, seafood processor, or primary or secondary timber products processor. Applicants can receive grants for research and development, production buildings, major fixtures and processing facilities.

For more information, visit the program page.