Two New Maryland Opportunities for Seafood & Agricultural Businesses

Dorchester County businesses and watermen may be eligible for two timely Maryland funding opportunities designed to strengthen seafood operations, agricultural infrastructure, and business resilience.

With application deadlines approaching, eligible applicants are encouraged to review requirements and apply early.

Commercial Oyster Harvester Disaster Relief Loan Program



The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has launched a new Commercial Oyster Harvester Disaster Relief Loan Program through the Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund. The program is designed to provide financial relief to commercial oystermen facing economic hardship due to poor market conditions, weather impacts, and environmental challenges.

Eligible applicants must:

·                     Be a Maryland resident with a valid commercial oyster harvesting license

·                     Have harvested oysters during the 2025–2026 season

·                     Have submitted the required harvest reports

·                     Have paid applicable harvesting surcharges and fees

Program Highlights:

0% interest loans
No collateral required
Loan amounts determined based on total applicants and available funding (up to $10,000)
Repayment begins February 1, 2027
Opportunity for partial loan forgiveness through on-time repayment performance
 
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

Maryland Postharvest Infrastructure Grant



The Maryland Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Maryland Postharvest Infrastructure Grant Program, which supports investments that strengthen food systems, improve efficiency, and expand market access for Maryland producers.

Priority industries include seafood processors, agricultural producers, food hubs, and cold chain operators. Funding may support projects such as:

·                     Walk-in coolers and refrigeration equipment

·                     Refrigerated vehicles and transportation upgrades

·                     Food safety modernization and storage improvements

·                     Distribution and postharvest handling infrastructure

·                     Technology that improves inventory, logistics, or operational efficiency

 

Funding begins at $30,000, and no match is required for eligible applicants.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2026