# COMAR Title 15 — Maryland Department of Agriculture

## Subtitle 01 — Office of the Secretary

### Chapter 21 — Urban Agriculture Grant Program

#### Regulation .04 Application Procedures.

*COMAR 15.01.21.04*

A. A qualified applicant that applies for grant funds under the program shall submit to the Department the following:

  (1) If the applicant is an urban agricultural producer:

    (a) An application on a Department-produced form which shall include a budget estimate of the overall eligible costs;

    (b) A map identifying the location of the operation including its street address and the parcel boundaries of the land on which the operation is situated;

    (c) Documentation showing that the person annually sells, or would normally have sold, in an urban area at least $1,000 of farm products from the person’s farming operation;

    (d) Except for an individual applying on the individual’s own behalf, documentation proving the applicant’s authority to sign on behalf of the organization on all matters related to the program;

    (e) A completed Current Nutrient Management Plan Certification form or Nutrient Management Plan Waiver, as applicable; and

    (f) A completed IRS Tax Form W-9.

  (2) If the applicant is a non-profit organization or institution of higher education:

    (a) An application based on a Department-approved form which shall include a budget estimate of the overall eligible costs; and

    (b) For qualified nonprofit organizations:

      (i) A current IRS Determination Letter indicating its §501(c)3 status under Title 26 of the United States Code; and

      (ii) Evidence of good standing with the State of Maryland;

B. Use of Grant Funds.

  (1) Limitations. A grant recipient may use a grant under this program to:

    (a) Secure real property:

      (i) That has established the necessary infrastructure to grow food;

      (ii) For which the grantee is the steward of the real property; and

      (iii) For which no more than 20 percent of the grant money will be used to secure property;

    (b) Maintain safe, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible practices; and

    (c) Make capital improvements to support viable urban agriculture enterprises.

  (2) To receive a grant under this program, the applicant shall demonstrate that the funds the person receives will provide a measurable community benefit including, but not limited to, improving local food access; and

  (3) A grant recipient may not use more than 15 percent of the amount of the grant for operating expenses.