The Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to take advantage of the Maryland Food Donation Pilot Program.

Farmers who donate food to a charity that participates in the state’s Food Donation Pilot Program are eligible for up to $5,000 per year in tax credits against state income taxes.

“This innovative program is a win-win for everyone,” says Joseph Bartenfelder, Maryland ag secretary. “Not only does it help address food waste and combat hunger, it gives Maryland farmers the opportunity to give back and reduce their taxes. Due to the success of the program, it has now expanded statewide, allowing more Maryland farmers the opportunity to donate fresh food to those who need it most. I encourage all Maryland farmers to participate in the Maryland Food Donation Pilot Program.”

The Maryland Department of Agriculture manages the program in cooperation with the Comptroller and has authority to issue up to $100,000 in tax credits annually. Eligible donations are defined as “fresh farm products for human consumption.” Food donations are eligible for a tax credit of up to 50% of the value of the donation, not to exceed $5,000 per calendar year. Certified organic produce donations are eligible for a tax credit of 75% of its value.

Originally launched in 2017 in Southern Maryland and Montgomery County, the program was expanded statewide by the Maryland General Assembly and will now continue until the end of 2021.

To participate in the program, charities or nonprofit organizations must become a Tax Credit Certificate Administrator (T​CCA). Organizations can become a TCCA by completing an Application for Tax Credit Certificate Administrator ​for the Maryland Food Donation Pilot Program and submitting it to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Upon approval by the department, the organization will receive a signed copy of the agreement and an assigned TCCA number.

Once an organization is a TCCA, they can submit eligible food donations from a qualified farm to the program by completing the producer donation form​.

Forms should be submitted to the Maryland Department of Agriculture Marketing Office, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401; or via email at [email protected]​.

For more information or questions on the application process, visit the program’s website or contact Deborah Proud at 410-841-5793.

Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.