Two Weeks Left to Apply for the Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant – Washington County, MD

Report on the Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant

Introduction and Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development has issued a final call for applications for its Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant. The application period concludes on October 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST. This initiative is designed to bolster the local agricultural sector by providing financial support for projects that drive innovation and economic growth, directly contributing to several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Grant Objectives and SDG Contribution

The primary objective of the grant is to strengthen the local agricultural economy through targeted investments in farm operations. This program aligns with the following SDGs:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By funding projects that improve farm productivity, efficiency, and value-added processing, the grant supports sustainable agriculture and enhances local food security.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The initiative promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by empowering local agricultural entrepreneurs and strengthening a vital sector of the county’s economy.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The grant explicitly encourages the adoption of innovative practices and the upgrading of agricultural infrastructure and equipment, fostering resilience and modernization.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Funding for conservation improvements and value-added ventures encourages sustainable production patterns and can help reduce food loss.

Grant Parameters

The competitive grant program provides a total of $100,000 in funding for the current cycle. Key details are as follows:

• Total Funding Pool: $100,000
• Individual Award Range: $1,000 – $25,000
• Application Period Opens: October 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. EST
• Application Period Closes: October 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST

Eligible Projects and SDG Impact

Submissions will be evaluated based on a predefined scoring system. Eligible projects are those that demonstrate a clear path to growth and sustainability. Categories include:

• Business planning or marketing expansion: Enhances economic viability and market access, supporting SDG 8.
• Value-added ventures: Promotes diversification and reduces waste, contributing to SDG 2 and SDG 12.
• Conservation and research improvements: Advances sustainable farming practices in line with SDG 2 and SDG 12.
• Upgrading agricultural buildings or structures: Builds resilient infrastructure, a key target of SDG 9.
• Purchasing equipment or major fixtures: Fosters innovation and efficiency, directly impacting SDG 2 and SDG 9.

Application and Submission Protocol

Interested parties are instructed to follow the official application procedure:

1. Access the fillable PDF application form on the Washington County grant website: https://www.washco-md.net/business-development/agricultural-innovation-grant/
2. Submit the completed application with all required attachments via one of the following methods:
   • Email (Preferred): Send to AgInnovation@WashCo-MD.net.
   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Attn: Kelsey Keadle, Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development, 100 West Washington Street, Suite 1401, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
3. To request a hard copy of the application, contact Kelsey Keadle at 301-573-7039 or AgInnovation@WashCo-MD.net.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article focuses on a grant for local growers and agricultural businesses. By providing financial support to farms, the initiative aims to enhance local food production, which is a cornerstone of ensuring food security and ending hunger.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The grant is explicitly designed to “fuel growth, spark innovation, and strengthen the local agricultural economy.” This directly supports local economic development and promotes productive activities for agricultural entrepreneurs in Washington County.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The grant is named the “Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant.” It encourages the purchase of new equipment, upgrading agricultural buildings, and fostering innovation, which aligns with the goal of building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The article lists “Conservation and research improvements” as an eligible project category for the grant. This shows a direct link to promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and investing in practices that conserve the local environment.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.3:

  By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The grant provides direct financial assistance ($1,000 to $25,000) to local farms to help them expand their business, purchase equipment, and implement value-added ventures, all of which contribute to increasing their productivity and income.

• Target 8.3:

  Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. The Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant is a clear example of a local, development-oriented policy designed to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation within the agricultural sector.

• Target 9.b:

  Support domestic technology development, research and innovation. The grant’s focus on “innovation,” “research improvements,” and the “purchasing of equipment” directly supports the development and adoption of new technologies and innovative practices at the local level.

• Target 15.1:

  By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. Although the 2020 deadline has passed, the principle remains relevant. The grant’s eligibility for “conservation… improvements” provides a mechanism to fund projects that contribute to the sustainable management of local agricultural land.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Total financial resources provided to agricultural businesses.

  The article explicitly states that a “$100,000 pool” of funding is available. The total amount disbursed can be used as an indicator of the financial support provided to strengthen local agriculture (relevant to Target 2.3 and 8.3).

• Number of grants awarded.

  The number of farms and agricultural businesses that receive an award from the $100,000 pool would be a direct measure of the program’s reach in supporting local entrepreneurs and small-scale producers (relevant to Target 2.3 and 8.3).

• Number of projects funded for innovation and conservation.

  The article mentions that applications will be evaluated using a scoring sheet. Tracking the number of grants awarded specifically for “innovation,” “equipment purchase,” or “conservation improvements” can serve as a direct indicator for progress towards Target 9.b and Target 15.1.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: washco-md.net