WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD (October 20, 2026) – The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development is reminding local growers and agricultural businesses interested in expanding or diversifying their operations to apply for the Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant.

Applications are due in 2 weeks, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST.

This grant program is designed exclusively for Washington County farms and farm owners to support business growth, encourage innovation, and strengthen the local agricultural economy. A total of $115,000 in funding is available during this grant cycle, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

The application period will remain open from Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. EST, through Friday, October 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Eligible projects may include business planning, marketing expansion, value-added ventures, conservation and research improvements, upgrades to agricultural buildings or structures, and the purchase of equipment or major fixtures.

All applications will be evaluated using a predefined project scoring sheet outlining the criteria and corresponding point values for each section of the application.

Completed applications, including all required attachments, may be submitted by email to AgInnovation@washco-md.net

or hand-delivered to:

Attn: Kelsey Keadle

Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development

100 West Washington Street, Suite 1401 Hagerstown, MD 21740

Applications are available at:https://www.washco-md.net/business-development/agricultural-innovation-grant/