Frederick County Awards $125,000 in Agricultural Innovation Grants

Seven Businesses Selected Through Competitive Process

Frederick County continues to support agricultural innovation and economic growth through its Agriculture Innovation Grant Program. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has announced $125,000 in grant awards as part of the March 2025 cycle. Seven agricultural businesses were selected to receive funding for projects through this competitive grant program.

"The Agriculture Innovation Grants Program is a strong and successful partnership between County government and our farmers," County Executive Fitzwater said. "Our targeted investments will help make farming more viable and sustainable, which is good for our economy and our quality of life."

Projects awarded in this cycle are expected to create 16 jobs across Frederick County's agricultural sector. Grant recipients include:

• Orlowski Farms, LLC - Purchase equipment for a niche sparkling wine production expansion.
• Treasured Roots - Establish a two-acre orchard with native Appalachian truffles, a highly sought-after, gourmet culinary item.
• Huffer Family Farm - Construct a greenhouse to diversify plant offerings and expand the growing season.
• Inspiration Acres LLC - Upgrade HVAC system for an indoor gourmet mushroom growing facility.
• Loew Vineyards - Upgrade processing equipment to begin converting the operation to become the first certified Kosher winery in Maryland.
• Way-Lu Farm - Purchase a drone to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of specialty grain crop management for craft beverage business.
• Black Rock Highlands - Purchase livestock trailer to be able to offer cow-to-classroom mobile agritourism visits.

The March 2025 Agriculture Innovation Grant cycle received 32 applications requesting over $1,250,000, highlighting the strong demand for investment in Frederick County's agricultural and craft beverage industries. Since its launch in 2021, the program has awarded over $1,750,000 towards 77 projects that encourage innovation, economic growth, and business retention and expansion within the agricultural sector. Grant funds have leveraged $3.50 in private investment for every $1 of County funding, demonstrating a significant economic impact on our community.

The County awards grants starting at $5,000 twice a year to help agricultural businesses expand and diversify their operations. For more information about the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Agriculture or contact Becca Tucker at 240-739-2013.

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Contact: Becca Tucker
Senior Business Development Manager
Office of Agriculture
240-739-2013