Skip to main content

Harris Applauds Four Additional USDA Grants to Eastern Shore

October 29, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the award of $344,981 in federal grants to four recipients on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Agency and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Specifically, Friends of the Grape and Caroline County Public Schools have been awarded $15,950 to purchase a refrigerated van to transport meals to needy children and seniors. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the partners have been feeding and transporting meals to 1200 students and 300 senior citizens per day in Caroline County. Additionally, the Easton Economic Development Corporation was awarded $199,969 to foster a culture of food safety among specialty crop producers in the Mid-Atlantic region through education and coaching centered on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Lastly, Maryland Capital Enterprises and the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center have been awarded $95,445 and $33,617 respectively to issue small business loans and training/technical assistance to rural emerging or microenterprises on the Eastern Shore.

Rep. Andy Harris made the following statement:

"As a member of the Agriculture Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, I applaud the award of these grants to the Eastern Shore. Programs in the Department of Agriculture are critical to the First Congressional District – whether it be supporting vulnerable populations during the pandemic, working to expand best practice techniques for farmers, or advising startup companies. Grants like these help local businesses compete, strengthen the regional economy, and improve lives in our community.