New loan program expands MCGB’s Protecting the Path to Net-Zero strategy by providing affordable financing for climate-smart agriculture investments

Montgomery County, MD (September 25, 2026) – The Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) today announced the launch of the Agriculture Resilience Transition Facility (ARTF), a new $200,000 program designed to help eligible agricultural producers invest in climate resilience, strengthen farm operations, and support the long-term viability of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve.

The ARTF is part of MCGB’s broader Protecting the Path to Net-Zero (PPNZ) strategy, which advances innovative financing solutions that accelerate both climate adaptation and decarbonization across Montgomery County. By expanding access to affordable financing for agricultural resilience, the program helps protect one of the County’s most important environmental and economic assets while demonstrating how innovative finance can support climate-smart agriculture.

Developed in partnership with Quantified Ventures and the Montgomery County Food Council, the Agriculture Resilience Transition Facility builds upon MCGB’s successful Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative, transitioning from grant-funded demonstrations to the Green Bank’s first dedicated loan product for agricultural resilience.

“The launch of the Agriculture Resilience Transition Facility represents another important milestone in our Protecting the Path to Net-Zero strategy,” said Steve Morel, Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank. “Climate resilience is increasingly a financing challenge. Through ARTF, we’re helping Montgomery County farmers access affordable capital to invest in equipment and infrastructure that strengthens their operations while creating a sustainable financing model that can continue supporting our agricultural community for years to come.”

The Agriculture Resilience Transition Facility is launching with aggregate program commitments of up to $200,000. The initial implementation is expected to support approximately 10 to 15 farms while allowing MCGB to validate borrower demand, underwriting assumptions, portfolio performance, financing-readiness support, operational efficiency, and measurable resilience outcomes before considering future capitalization or expansion.

The program offers:

• Loan amounts from $5,000 to $50,000
• Terms of up to 10 years
• Financing for up to 75% of eligible project costs, requiring a minimum 25% borrower equity contribution

Eligible investments include water management and irrigation systems; climate-smart production infrastructure; soil-health and conservation equipment; solar-powered pumps and other small-scale energy-resilience equipment where the ARTF-financed component fits within the approved loan range; small-scale cold storage and food-preservation equipment; small-farm or utility tractors, mower-conditioners, small-square balers, hay rakes, tedders, grain/farm wagons, compact utility equipment, and specialized resilience-related implements; discrete agrivoltaic components or implementation costs that independently fit within the approved loan range; and other resilience-related equipment or infrastructure consistent with ARTF objectives. Eligible related costs may include installation, commissioning, site preparation, associated construction, engineering or design, delivery and setup, and other implementation costs directly necessary to place the resilience investment into service. Full-scale agrivoltaic systems are not a core initial ARTF transaction.

“The Agriculture Resilience Transition Facility reflects what we heard directly from Montgomery County farmers,” said Laura Mondragon, Senior Director of Climate Resilience & Adaptation at the Montgomery County Green Bank. “Farmers told us they were ready to invest in resilience but needed financing that recognized the realities of agricultural operations. ARTF responds directly to that need by combining affordable financing with financing readiness support to help farmers move from planning to implementation while strengthening the resilience of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve.”

One of those farmers is Tom Farquhar, owner of Sandy Spring Gardens, whose farm participated in MCGB’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative.

“The Climate-Smart Agriculture Grant allowed us to purchase a no-till drill that transformed how we manage our fields,” said Tom Farquhar, owner of Sandy Spring Gardens. “After last year’s harvest, we planted cover crops across all of our fields. Despite the severe drought, we achieved a strong stand that protected our soil through the winter. Cover crops reduce erosion during heavy rains, improve the soil’s ability to retain water during drought, and build soil organic matter that stores carbon. Investments like these make farms more resilient while also contributing to climate solutions.”

To learn more about the program, review eligibility requirements, or apply, visit: https://mcgreenbank.org/agriculture-resilience-transition-facility/

About the Montgomery County Green Bank

The Montgomery County Green Bank is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping businesses and residents affordably implement energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate-resilient solutions. The Montgomery County Green Bank supports Montgomery County, MD by driving investment into energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate resilience through lending and investment partners in the region. These efforts include working with homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and commercial entities of all varieties.

Media contact: Tyniah McDuffie, Director of Communications and Community Engagement