On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program - Established

New recycling grants for Maryland farms

The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and Maryland’s farm organics recycling grant program begins July 1, 2028. The Governor must budget $250,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2028; the law does not set individual grant amounts. Eligible applicants include farmers, urban growers, soil conservation districts, colleges, nonprofits, qualifying businesses, and groups of these applicants. Businesses must be in good standing with the state and partner with a farmer or urban producer. Urban agricultural producers must annually sell, or have been able to sell, at least $1,000 in farm products. Urban areas include Census-designated urban areas and areas within municipal boundaries. Grants support infrastructure, collection, education, and technical help to prevent food waste, rescue edible food, recover animal feed, and compost. They also cover related wages, reputable training programs, studies of compost’s effects on farm nutrients and water quality, and permit costs. Animal feed must meet state registration and treatment rules; food scraps for composting or recycling must be separated from packaging before collection. Priority goes to projects with clear community benefits, local food-waste prevention and rescue, limited local harm, and service to overburdened or underserved communities. Priorities also include General Use compost, low-contamination compost made without depackers and meeting U.S. Composting Council testing standards, jobs, training, inclusive hiring, and living wages. The Agriculture Department administers the program with the Environment Department’s input and seeks funding. Starting December 31, 2028, annual reports to lawmakers must cover grants awarded, jobs and state benefits, food-waste reductions, and effects on farmers.