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CAIC Blog

Preparing for Farmers’ Markets in 2026: How to Get Accepted and Succeed
Farmers’ markets continue to grow in popularity, offering small farms and food businesses a direct way to connect with local customers. But getting into the best markets isn’t as simple as showing up with your products—the application process is competitive, and preparation is key. If you’re planning ...
September 22, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Treasured Roots Farm
Rooted in Family, Growing for the Future In the rolling hills of Frederick County, Maryland, Treasured Roots Farm is rewriting the story of what local agriculture can look like. Led by Laura Kefauver, a CAIC Value-Added Program alum, this family-run farm is cultivating European black...
September 22, 2025
How Composting Can Help Producers Transform Ag Waste into Profits
Composting isn’t just good for the environment — it can also be a profitable side or supplemental venture for farmers, ranchers, and small-scale food producers. From cattle ranchers and crop growers to breweries with spent grains, there are countless opportunities to turn agricultural waste into a hig...
August 15, 2025
Is Late Spring/Early Summer the Best Time to Start a Farming Business?
As late spring transitions into early summer, many aspiring farmers are asking the same question: Is now the best time to start a farm? The short answer—it depends. While the warmer months offer great conditions for planting and raising livestock, success depends on several key factors. In this articl...
June 18, 2025
5 Reasons Why Food Entrepreneurs Should Attend Producers Unveiled 2025
Producers Unveiled 2025 is just around the corner! This event will take place on June 4th, 2025 at Outstanding Dreams Alpaca Farm in Preston, Maryland. Wondering if you should attend? Check out the reasons why below! Reason 1: Engaging Keynote Speech Featuring Gayle Galbra...
May 30, 2025
Catfish with a Cause: Inside CAIC’s Producers Unveiled 2025
Producers Unveiled 2025 includes a catfish demo, but there’s a lot more to it than just getting a tastybite to eat. Blue and Flathead catfish are invasive species that have wreaked a tremendous amount of havoc on Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem for many years. In fact, the state just appointed ...
May 16, 2025
Let’s Eat, CAIC: A Vibrant Summer Cheese Board
 Summer is officially here in the Delmarva region, and there are few things that pair better with sunny weather (and outdoor cocktails) than a local cheese board. Need some inspiration? In the latest installment of our “Let’s Eat, CAIC” series, which highlights different ways to use local products, CA...
June 24, 2024
FSMA Final Rule on Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water: What You Need to Know
 On May 8, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule that (per the agency) “revises certain pre-harvest agricultural water provisions for covered produce (other than sprouts) in Subpart E of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.” Confused by the latest r...
June 3, 2024
Let’s Eat, CAIC: Brunch-Ready Sweet and Savory Crepes
When it comes to brunch food, we all know it can be difficult to choose between a sweet dish and a savory one. But why not both? Look no further than the latest installment of our “Let’s Eat, CAIC” series, which highlights different ways to use local ingredients. This week, we’ll show you a recipe for...
May 29, 2024

MINI-GRANTs

Mini-Grants up to $5,000 are available for:
– Market Research and Validation of Target Market
– Customer Acquisition
– Product Development Initiatives
– Food Safety Classes
Eligibility
Value-added producers and companies with traction ($20,000 or more in yearly revenue) in Maryland and Delaware are eligible to apply for Mini-Grants. Participants may apply once for each of the categories. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a unique and differentiated product or service that incorporates an aspect of innovation or technology in its production, processing, distribution, or other element of the food supply system.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions will be made and funds will be available no later than three weeks following the receipt of a completed application.
Application Process
Applicants must submit Mini-Grant proposals by filling out the form at this link. Copy(ies) of quote(s), proposal(s), estimate(s), or any other supporting documents.

MINI GRANT APPLICATION

ACCESS TO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (SMES)

CAIC offers access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can offer authoritative advice based on their deep knowledge and experience in a specific area. See the ADVISORS page of this Web site to learn more about the SMEs who are available to CAIC participants.

Register For The CAIC