Maryland Department of Ag Accepting 2026 Animal Waste Technology Fun Proposals

Annapolis, MD (September 8, 2025) — The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Animal Waste Technology Fund is now accepting grant proposals for its Fiscal Year 2026 grant cycle. Individuals, vendors, and businesses who want to test proven, innovative technologies and alternative strategies for managing animal waste on Maryland farms are invited to apply for our grants.

“Innovation and technology open doors for farmers who want to reduce the environmental risks associated with animal waste while enhancing its use as a natural fertilizer, soil amendment, and potential energy source,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “If you have a project in mind, we want to hear from you.” 

Interested applicants should send a Letter of Intent to the department by October 17, 2025. 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 December 23, 2025.

What qualifies as animal waste? 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 manure, 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

• 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 ineligible 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 $750,000 available to invest in innovative technologies during the Fiscal Year 2026, which ends June 30, 2026. 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 17, 2025.

If you have any questions, need additional information or would like to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jessica Hackett
Director of Communications
Telephone: 410-841-5888