The owners of Maryland vineyards, hopyards and orchards impacted by the late April frost event can now apply for reduced-cost financing through the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation’s (MARBIDCO) Agribusiness Equipment and Working Capital Loan and its Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan programs.
Beginning September 22, 2026, MARBIDCO is offering its Agribusiness Equipment and Working Capital Loan and its Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Loan Programs with modified terms to provide relief to vineyard, hopyard and orchard farmers. Specifically, MARBIDCO is offering reduced interest rates up to 50%, a reduced origination fee of 0.25% and is waiving the requirement of a lender referral or denial to qualify. These modified terms are available to those farmers that experienced financial and operational impacts as well as production losses. The deadline to apply for both programs is May 14, 2027.
Maryland’s producers experienced a devastating loss in April 2026, resulting in near-total losses in many cases. Governor Wes Moore’s May 27, 2026, letter to USDA states that reports indicate historic losses, including 94% of the apple crop, 99% of the peach crop and 98% of the barley crop in several jurisdictions.
“The April freeze dealt a severe blow to Maryland’s vineyard, hops and orchard growers, many of whom lost most or all of this year’s crops,” said MARBIDCO Executive Director Stephen McHenry. “MARBIDCO’s reduced-cost financing is designed to help ease the immediate financial pressure and support the long-term recovery of these important agricultural businesses.”
Applications will be accepted through May 14, 2027.
Electronic submission is encouraged, and applications may be emailed to info@marbidco.org.
Applications may also be mailed to:
MARBIDCO
Attn: MARBIDCO Loan Programs
1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
For additional information about the program, visit www.marbidco.org or contact MARBIDCO at 410-267-6807.
