First published in the December 2018 Equiery

Do you have, or do you know of, technology, equipment, infrastructure or services than can improve manure management? Do you have a new idea for a project? If so, the Maryland Department of Ag has some seed money for you.

Maryland’s Animal Waste Technology Fund is a grant program that provides seed funding to companies that demonstrate innovative technologies to manage or repurpose manure resources. The program is a key component of Governor Larry Hogan’s broader Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative to improve water quality, strengthen agriculture and bolster rural economies.

The fund has $3.5 million available to invest in innovative technologies during State Fiscal Year 2018, which ends June 30, 2018. Approximately $2 million will be directed at projects with a renewable energy component. There is no maximum or minimum request. Vendors, businesses, and individuals are invited to respond to this grant solicitation. More information and an application can be found here. For general information about Maryland’s Animal Waste Technology Fund, click here. Deadline to apply is December 29, 2017.