MARBIDCO Loan Programs Provide Relief to MD Hopyard Farmers

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 17, 2026) – 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.

 

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.”

 

 

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.