Future Harvest Pick-Your-Own Consultant Grant

Launched in 2021 and reopening in 2024, this program provides $1,000 grants for farmers to work with the consultant of their choice. The goal of this program is to provide farmers based in rural Maryland with the opportunity to strengthen their business and address challenges with the support of in-depth, free-for-the-farmer consultations with experts.

All farmers located in rural Maryland counties including Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett,  Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worcester counties, as well as sections of Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Howard Counties are invited to apply. Preference is given to farmers with 6-10 years of experience, Future Harvest members, and historically underserved farmers as defined by the USDA as  Beginning; Socially Disadvantaged; Veterans; and Limited Resource. Only one application per farm will be reviewed

Applicants are required to identify their top two priorities for working with a consultant of their choice – either from our list of consultants or from their own research. Topics farmers have previously requested range from improved marketing plans and financial record keeping systems to creating nutrient management plans and enhanced soil fertility regimes.