Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant Closes Today – Washington County, MD

Report on the Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant

Introduction: Fostering Sustainable Agricultural Development

The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development has announced the conclusion of the application period for its Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant on October 31, 2025. This initiative is designed to bolster the local agricultural sector in Washington County, MD, by providing financial support to local growers and agricultural businesses. The grant program directly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting economic growth, innovation, and sustainable farming practices.

Grant Objectives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

With a total fund of $100,000, the grant aims to stimulate growth and innovation within the local agricultural economy. This initiative serves as a strategic investment in sustainable development, contributing to the following key SDGs:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By strengthening local farms, the grant enhances food production capacity and promotes sustainable agriculture, contributing to local food security.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The program fosters sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by supporting local agricultural enterprises, which are crucial to the regional economy.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Funding for equipment upgrades and infrastructure improvements encourages innovation and builds resilient agricultural infrastructure.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The grant supports projects like conservation improvements and value-added ventures, which promote sustainable production patterns and reduce waste.

Grant Program Details

• Grant Title: Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant
• Application Period: October 13, 2025, to October 31, 2025
• Total Funding Pool: $100,000
• Individual Grant Amount: $1,000 – $25,000

Eligible Projects and Contribution to SDGs

The grant supports a range of projects that directly contribute to achieving specific SDG targets. Eligible projects include:

• Business planning or marketing expansion: Promotes economic viability and growth for local farms, aligning with SDG 8.
• Value-added ventures: Encourages efficient use of resources and creates new economic opportunities, supporting SDG 8 and SDG 12.
• Conservation and research improvements: Directly advances sustainable agricultural practices and resource management, contributing to SDG 2 and SDG 12.
• Upgrading agricultural buildings or structures: Enhances the resilience and efficiency of farm infrastructure, in line with SDG 9.
• Purchasing equipment or major fixtures: Fosters innovation and improves productivity, supporting both SDG 2 and SDG 9.

Application and Evaluation Process

The application and evaluation protocol was structured to ensure a fair and transparent selection process based on predefined criteria.

1. Applicants were required to obtain the official application form from the Washington County grant website.
2. Completed applications, along with all necessary attachments, could be submitted electronically via email or as a hard copy delivered to the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development.
3. All submissions are subject to a formal evaluation based on a project scoring sheet that outlines specific criteria and their corresponding point values.

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

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The article focuses on the “Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant,” which is designed for “local growers and agricultural businesses.” By providing financial support to farms, the initiative directly contributes to strengthening food production systems, a core component of SDG 2. The grant aims to “fuel growth” and “encourage innovation” in the agricultural sector, which is essential for ensuring food security.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The grant’s explicit purpose is to “strengthen the local agricultural economy.” This aligns directly with SDG 8’s goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. By funding projects like “Business planning or marketing expansion” and “Value-added ventures,” the grant supports entrepreneurship and aims to increase the economic productivity of local agricultural businesses.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• The grant is titled the “Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant,” placing a strong emphasis on innovation, which is the central theme of SDG 9. The eligibility of projects such as “Upgrading agricultural buildings or structures,” “Purchasing equipment or major fixtures,” and “Conservation and research improvements” directly supports the development of resilient infrastructure, technological upgrading, and scientific research within the agricultural industry.

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

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The grant, aimed at “Washington County, MD farms and farm owners,” provides capital ($1,000 – $25,000) for equipment and business expansion, which directly contributes to increasing productivity and potential income for local producers.
• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. The inclusion of “Conservation and research improvements” as an eligible project type directly supports the implementation of more sustainable and resilient farming methods.
• Target 2.a: Increase investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and technology development. The grant itself represents a direct financial investment in the local agricultural sector, funding “upgrading agricultural buildings” (rural infrastructure) and the purchase of new “equipment” (technology development).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The grant is explicitly for “innovation” and funds the “purchasing of equipment,” which are key drivers for achieving higher productivity as stated in this target.
• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. The grant program is a clear example of a local, development-oriented policy designed to foster innovation and support agricultural entrepreneurs through direct financial assistance.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The grant supports this target by providing funds for “upgrading agricultural buildings or structures,” which enhances the quality and resilience of essential rural infrastructure.
• Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation. The grant’s focus on “innovation,” “research improvements,” and funding for new “equipment” directly aligns with supporting local technological advancement and research in the agricultural sector.

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: The article explicitly states, “A total of $100,000 in funding is available during this grant cycle.” This amount serves as a direct indicator of the financial commitment to supporting local agriculture, relevant to targets concerning investment (2.a, 8.3, 9.b).
• Number of enterprises supported: While not a single number, the article implies a range. With a total pool of $100,000 and individual grants between “$1,000 – $25,000,” it can be inferred that between 4 and 100 farms or agricultural businesses will be supported. The exact number of grant recipients would be a key indicator of the program’s reach.
• Type of projects funded: The list of eligible projects (“Business planning,” “Value-added ventures,” “Conservation and research improvements,” etc.) acts as a qualitative indicator. Tracking the number of grants awarded in each category would measure progress towards specific goals like innovation, infrastructure upgrades, or conservation efforts.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: washco-md.net