Eye on Annapolis Covers AAEDC Announcement of New Ag Grant Program & New Ag Director

December 26, 2023

Eye on Annapolis covered AAEDC’s announcement of the Agricultural Business Improvement Grant (ABIG) program and the appointment of Shelley Garrett as the organization’s Agriculture Business Development Director in the following article:

AAEDC Launches New Ag Grant Program, Names New Ag Director

The article opened with the following commentary from Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman:

“The Agricultural Business Improvement Grant program will help ensure that farm-based businesses in the county can continue to succeed and grow,” said County Executive Pittman. “AAEDC has supported farmers in Anne Arundel County for thirty years, and Shelley Garrett has the expertise and local knowledge to lead these efforts into the future.”

It then provided details on the ABIG program, which will provide matching grants of up to $10,000 for projects such as new fencing, the purchase of plant stock, livestock, or equipment, and infrastructure upgrades.

And, finally, it closed with information on Garrett’s background and the following commentary from AAEDC President & CEO Amy Gowan and Garrett:

“While AAEDC has historically provided matching grants for agricultural businesses, we listened to feedback from the farming community and revamped the program to better meet their needs,” added Gowan. “The new ABIG program offers larger grant awards and inspires farm-based business owners to invest in impactful projects that will help them significantly grow their operations.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining AAEDC at such an important time for agriculture in Anne Arundel County,” said Garrett. “I know firsthand that if we want farmers to continue farming, we need to provide them with programs that will help them succeed and grow in a modern economy. I look forward to helping farmers access these resources, as well as developing new ones, as part of the AAEDC team.”

More information and the application for the Agricultural Business Improvement Grant can be found here.

Business Monthly Covers AAEDC Announcement of New Ag Grant Program & Ag Director »