Five Businesses Selected Through Competitive Process
FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County continues to support agricultural innovation and economic growth through its Agriculture Innovation Grant Program. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has announced over $100,000 in grant awards as part of the October 2025 cycle. Five agricultural businesses were selected to receive funding for projects through this competitive grant program.
“The Agriculture Innovation Grant Program helps local farmers and agri-businesses innovate, expand, adapt, and thrive,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “By investing in forward-thinking projects, we are strengthening our agricultural economy and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Projects awarded in this cycle are expected to create nine full-time and eight part-time jobs across Frederick County’s agricultural sector. Grant recipients include:
- Bradley and Herbert L. Damazo, Knoxville - $25,542.50 to purchase and install seed mixer to be able to provide multi species seed mixes to local farmers.
- DeFeo Family Farm, LLC, Middletown - $25,000.00 to construct climate controlled, heated greenhouse to extend growing season of produce.
- Maryland Solar Grazing Solutions LLC, Thurmont - $10,625.00 to purchase roundbale feeders and fenceline feeders for sheep that will increase feeding efficiency and can be portable for agrivoltaics use on solar sites.
- Pleasant Hill Produce, LLC, Walkersville - $19,824.00 to purchase a mobile chicken coop to expand produce operation by adding laying hens for egg production and increase farm sustainability.
- Six Wicket Vineyards, Myersville - $19,200.00 to purchase and implement equipment for vineyard canopy management to reduce disease pressure and increase grape quality.
The October 2025 Agriculture Innovation Grant cycle received 20 applications requesting over $450,000, 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 $1,850,000 towards 82 projects that encourage innovation, economic growth, and business retention and expansion within the agricultural sector. The program’s strong return on investment is evident: for every dollar of County funding, recipients have added $3.77 in private investment, highlighting its significant local economic impact.
The next cycle of the County’s Agriculture Innovation Grant will open in March. For more information about the program, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/AgGrant 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