ABOUT AGRICULTURE

Rooted in Tradition...Growing in Diversity
Howard County farms produce over a million bushels of grain and more than 11,000 tons of hay annually. Scattered throughout the county you'll find a thriving horse industry including premier breeding farms, recreational riding facilities, boarding stables and a therapeutic riding center. The University of Maryland's Central Maryland Research and Education Center, located near Clarksville, conducts field trials in dairy, corn, forage, and soybean production.

Located in the center of the fourth largest metropolis in the country, Howard County agriculture offers services and products to an expanding and diverse consumer market. Direct marketing opportunities exist for fruits, vegetables, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, ethnic vegetables, and a host of organically grown products. Family fare includes visiting a petting farm, having a picnic in the country, or perhaps selecting the family Christmas tree at one of the county's on-farm markets. Pick-your-own operators offer consumers the opportunity to harvest Nature's fruits and vegetables at their freshest.

The "Green Industry", which includes nursery, horticulture, and landscaping materials and services, is now the fastest growing segment of agricultural in Howard County.

With agricultural sales exceeding $200 million annually, agri-business ranks among the top five industries in Howard County. The Authority's Agricultural Marketing Program supports the development of a variety of agricultural businesses in the county. Working in partnership with state and local agencies such as Farmland Preservation, the Authority provides assistance in promoting products, diversifying activities, and expanding markets for agri-business. Seminars in agricultural sales & marketing and farm financial management help producers enhance the economic viability of their farming operations.

Contact Kathy Zimmerman, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Howard County Economic Development Authority at 410-313-6500 or kzimmerman@hceda.org, for more information.