Growing Forward: Howard County’s New Office of Agriculture 

Howard County has always been deeply connected to its farming roots. From rolling fields and family-run operations to seasonal festivals and roadside farm stands, agriculture is part of the fabric of life here. Now, for the first time, it has an official home. 

Earlier this month, County Executive Calvin Ball, joined by Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks and members of the local agriculture community, celebrated the grand opening of the Howard County Office of Agriculture (OoA) at West Friendship Park. The new office, located in the renovated historic Hebb House, is the County’s first dedicated agricultural office—and just the third of its kind in the state. 

“Since I became Howard County Executive, we have worked hard to prioritize the needs of our agricultural community, both as businesses and as a valued way of life,” said Ball. “With the opening of our Office of Agriculture here at West Friendship Park, we are bringing much-needed support and resources closer to our county’s farming community so they can continue to thrive, grow and prosper for generations to come.” 

Central Hub for Collaboration and Community 

Led by Administrator James Zoller, the Office of Agriculture brings together a range of agricultural services and staff under one roof. It will serve as a collaborative space for organizations like the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), University of Maryland Extension and the Howard Soil Conservation District. 

By centralizing these resources, the County aims to make support more accessible and more effective for the farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs who call Howard County home. 

“We’re proud to officially open our doors to the public,” said Zoller. “The creation of this new Office of Agriculture right in the heart of our Rural West makes clear the Ball Administration’s commitment to serving farmers where they are.” 

More Than Just an Office 

The Office of Agriculture, led by Administrator James Zoller, is a hub for farmers, landowners and agricultural partners to come together, collaborate and get help when they need it. It’s also a space where several County and state partners—including the Department of Planning and Zoning, the University of Maryland Extension, the Howard Soil Conservation District and the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)—can work side by side. 

That collaboration makes a big difference. Whether you’re a longtime farmer or just getting started, it’s now easier to get answers, access programs and find opportunities to grow. 

And because the office sits inside a County park, it’s also a place where residents can learn more about farming and land stewardship through hands-on activities, events and outdoor recreation. 

A Vision for the Future 

The opening of the office is just the beginning. Executive Ball also announced a $1 million investment in his proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget to begin planning a full-scale Agricultural Center at West Friendship Park. 

This center would be a game-changer. It would create space for farmer trainings, youth programs like 4H and FFA, meetings, workshops and community events. There are also plans for demonstration areas, cold storage and facilities to support newer farm operations. 

And beyond that, the park itself is being reimagined as a hub for agritourism and rural recreation—think horseback riding trails, archery, festivals, camping and other farm-adjacent activities that draw people to the land and the people who work it. 

Why Agritourism Matters 

In Howard County, agriculture isn’t just about producing food—it’s also about creating experiences. Agritourism gives people a chance to reconnect with where their food comes from and to enjoy everything our rural landscapes have to offer. 

It’s things like picking your own apples in the fall, taking the kids to visit baby goats, strolling through sunflower fields or buying fresh produce right from the farm. These experiences are fun, but they’re also powerful. They support local businesses, teach people about farming and help preserve our agricultural spaces by making them profitable and sustainable. 

More and more farms in Howard County are embracing this model. And as interest in local food, wellness and outdoor recreation continues to grow, so does the demand for farm-based experiences. Agritourism is good for business, good for education and good for the community. 

That’s why the new Office of Agriculture and the proposed Agricultural Center are so important—they’re helping to grow this momentum and ensure our farms remain places to live, work and visit. 

How HCEDA Supports Local Agriculture 

The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) plays a key role in helping local farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs grow and diversify their businesses. Through its Agricultural Marketing Program, HCEDA offers a variety of tools, funding opportunities and connections to help businesses thrive. Here’s how we help: 

Business Support and Planning 

We assist farmers and agriculture-based entrepreneurs in developing strategic business plans, expanding into new markets and identifying growth opportunities that align with their goals. 

Events and Connections 

Our team organizes regular workshops, networking events and field days to connect producers with experts, peers and technical resources. These gatherings foster a sense of community while helping businesses stay informed and innovative. 

Marketing and Outreach 

We work with local farms to increase visibility and reach new customers through campaigns, directories and partnerships that promote Howard County agriculture. 

At HCEDA, we’re proud to support a future where farms aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. 

Helping Farmers Grow: The AGIE Grant Program 

One of the most impactful tools for farm growth in Howard County is the Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion (AGIE). Administered by HCEDA, this grant program is designed to help farmers expand, diversify or modernize their operations. 

Whether you’re growing produce, raising livestock, processing timber or running a cooperative, the AGIE program provides funding that can help turn ideas into action. Since its launch in 2012, AGIE has awarded nearly $500,000 in direct support to 73 farms across Howard County—including six new grants totaling $100,000 in 2024 alone. 

In County Executive Ball’s proposed FY25 budget, an additional $100,000 has been allocated to continue the program, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. The next application round opens in May, offering local producers another opportunity to grow their business and explore new markets. 

AGIE is a reflection of Howard County’s commitment to ensuring local farms remain viable and competitive—not just today, but well into the future. 

Moving Forward, Rooted in the Past 

The new Office of Agriculture is a major step forward—but it’s also a tribute to the generations of farmers who’ve shaped Howard County. As we look to the future, the County is making real investments to ensure that agriculture and agritourism not only survive, but flourish. 

If you’ve ever spent a morning at a farm stand, taken your kids on a hayride or cooked with something grown right down the road, then you know: this matters. 

Howard County’s farming future is bright—and it starts right here, at the Hebb House.