Hi Lisa,

Below is a list of resources for beginning farmers, including some financial resources. If you are looking for information on a specific crop or livestock, please let me know.

Kelly

Financial Resources

Local banks may provide lending services for farmers.

Maryland Agricultural & Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) - MARBIDCO is a quasi-public economic development organization that offers various grant and loan programs for Maryland's farm, forestry, and seafood businesses.

Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit - Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative.

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) - Has several grant opportunities, including a farmer grant program.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) - The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). FSA handles the government cost-share and price support programs, as well as low-interest loans. Disaster programs for drought, freeze, and hail are also handled by FSA.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Grants and Loans website - includes information for beginning farmers

General Beginning Farmer Resources

Frederick County Office of Economic Development

Frederick County Soil Conservation District (SCD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - The SCD and NRCS Offices provide technical and sometimes financial assistance for implementing soil and water conservation practices on the farm. The Frederick SCD and NRCS offices are housed in the same building and can be reached at<personal data hidden> ext. 3.

University of Maryland Extension Beginning Farmer Success Website

U.S. Department of Agriculture New Farmers Website