The Harford County Agricultural Marketing Cooperative, Inc. announces the availability of grants to local farmers for 2012.

The not-for-profit cooperative was created to improve the economic viability of production agriculture in Harford County and, among other endeavors, is a vehicle for the distribution of up to $75,000 in grants provided by Harford County government to producers. The cooperative awarded 23 different grants in the 2011 grant cycle.

Grants in the 2012 cycle will be open to all farmers in Harford County.

According to the cooperative, priority will be given to a new product from the existing operations and to new marketing proposals for new or existing products or services. Additional weight will be given to a new enterprise over the expansion of an existing enterprise.

Grant funds are generally intended to fund immediate needs of the proposed project and can fund a variety of things, including marketing or equipment for a product, according to the cooperative. A three-year commitment to continue the enterprise is required. The cooperative's board of directors may monitor the enterprise during the initial three-year period.

If you farm in Harford County and are interested in applying, contact Bill Tharpe at 410-838-6181, ext. 114 to obtain an application. The deadline for receipt of all completed grant applications is Jan. 19, 2012.