HURLOCK — On Monday, morning, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) was joined by Delaware Governor John Carney (D) at Russ Stevens’ farm near Waddells Corner, where they announced a new grant program to assist contract poultry growers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program “will provide some direct and much needed assistance for our Maryland farmers and producers,” Gov. Hogan said. The Delaware version of the program, which was developed jointly, will benefit farmers in that state.
While the cost of doing business continues to rise, the Gov. Hogan said, prices farmers receive for their products have been falling during the current economic difficulties.
Millions in federal assistance to farms has not been made available by Congress, Gov. Hogan said, to contract poultry growers, who produce the region’s top commodity.
“Today, I am here to announce, that we are immediately launching a new, $10 million State of Maryland relief program which will provide direct payments to thousands of Maryland farmers, growers and producers who have been hurt by COVID-19,” Gov. Hogan said.

The Maryland Farmer COVID-19 Relief Program will provide $1,000 per chicken house, with a maximum of $5,000 per farm. Farmers can apply immediately at mda.maryland.gov/farm relief.
Across the border, the Delaware Department of Agriculture is administering the program and will be accepting applications until Dec. 1.

Gov. Carney said, “Once and always, agriculture has been Delaware’s number-1 industry,” noting that family farmers, such as contract poultry growers, are the backbone of the business.

He praised Gov. Hogan and his staff for their cooperation in agricultural and other economic responses during the pandemic.
“This is a program developed jointly by the two governors to help the family farmers,” Gov. Carney said.