By Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission
For those in the program, SMADC covers 50 percent of the cost of vines. SMADC, in collaboration with Maryland Cooperative Extension, provides mandatory training for the grant recipients on all aspects of grape production, including hands-on demonstrations at an Upper Marlboro research site. Maryland Cooperative Extension also provides expertise and guidance through individual farm site visits. Recipients are also required to join the Maryland Grape Growers Association or the Maryland Wineries Association. SMADC's grape grant program has become a model for a similar statewide program offered by the State of Maryland.
Maryland