MGPUB Announces Grant Awards in Excess of $470,000

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) has awarded over $470,000 to organizations across the state to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production, expand the utilization of grain, and to improve public understanding of agriculture using checkoff funds to support market development, education, and research. Grant funds are made available through the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program.

“The checkoff program is all about farmers helping their own industry and those consumers that benefit from our products,” stated Donald Maring, President of MGPUB and a grain farmer in Carroll County. “Funding projects specific to our region’s grain farmers means we get answers to address issues specific to Maryland, whether it be improving seed varieties for our soils or improved nutrition, or finding out the best farm management systems to improve our environment. This year we looked for projects that address both those areas, as well as ways to better market our products and educate consumers about Maryland-grown products.”

Funds for the 2008 grant period were allocated to projects in the areas of education ($126,450), research ($138,350), and market development ($206,770). With the strong emphasis on energy nationwide, significant funding was awarded to efforts that advance products such as ethanol and bio-diesel. “Renewable fuels are the future not only of our farmers, but for our nation,” explains Maring.

Funding for projects that scientifically assess management practices and improve stewardship have always carried a priority. “Even though Maryland agriculture accounts for just 5% of the land use in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and contributes only 7.75% of the total nitrogen load, we want to do all we can to make as little impact as possible, while still providing for the food and fiber our consumers need,” comments Maring.

Maryland’s checkoff program has been in effect since 1991 and collects a half a percent of the net value of grain sold. The MGPUB administers the funds through a board consisting of regional grain farmer representatives and advisory members representing the University of Maryland, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and agri-businesses in the state. Funds are spent in the same proportion on each crop as they are received, and are specific to the needs of Maryland's grain farmers.

Funded projects are as follows: