Maryland Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Planting Loan Fund (Vineyard/Hopyard/Orchard Loan Fund)

Affordable financing for eligible Maryland landowners establishing or expanding commercial vineyards, orchards, and hop yards. MARBIDCO provides low-cost financing with a private commercial lender, aiming to increase viable commercial acreage in Maryland. The Maryland Wineries Association and Maryland Grape Growers Association support the program.

The requested financial assistance must relate to the installation of new vineyards, tree fruit orchards, or hop yards. Tractors, pickup trucks, and winemaking equipment are not eligible under this program (but may be eligible under MRBIFF and the Agribusiness Equipment and Working Capital Loan Fund). A commercial lender must provide a letter of referral.

Loans range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a 1% origination fee and a typical 10% equity requirement. Interest rate options: Option 1 - 5.00% for the first three years, then 6.25% for the remainder of the term; Option 2 - 6.25% fixed for the full term, with interest-only payments permitted during the first three years. A commercial lender must provide a letter of referral. MARBIDCO makes and services all loans; all loans must be fully collateralized. The Upper Shore Regional Council and MARBIDCO offer a 5% equity contribution toward eligible loans for farmers in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's counties.

The applicant must originate all applications (business professionals may assist). Applications are reviewed as received and typically take 3-4 weeks. Send to MARBIDCO Loan Programs, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403, or info@marbidco.org. Financial viability is reviewed by agricultural lenders and operational viability by industry or university experts.