Industries

Agriculture

A Top Producer of Business Results

Agricultural business in Maryland is more than just an industry — it’s ingrained in who we are. Strengthened by our four-season climate, farming and agriculture rank as the No. 5 economic contributor in the state, with sales surpassing $200 million. Howard County’s agricultural businesses benefit from the abundant talent and research at the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, while HCEDA’s Agricultural Marketing Program holds regular events to help businesses plan, finance and diversify their services.

Quick Links

Agriculture Businesses in Howard County

From farms to food processing and distribution, agricultural businesses in Howard County support a nationwide demand.

Coastal Sunbelt Produce logo Coastal Sunbelt Produce website link Coastal Sunbelt Produce
Chesapeake Flower Exchange logo Chesapeake Flower Exchange website link Chesapeake Flower Exchange
Taylor Farms logo Taylor Farms website link Taylor Farms
Sysco Food Services logo Sysco Food Services website link Sysco Food Services

Two red tractors pull truckbeds on a dirt road at a farm.

A Budding Environment for Business

Agricultural business is deeply rooted in Howard County’s economy. Whether it’s food produce processing companies like Coastal Sunbelt Produce, which employs more than 1,050 individuals, or Sysco Food Services in Jessup, which has nearly 700 on-staff production supervisors, logisticians, quality assurance personnel and more, businesses find the talent they need in Howard County.

A red tractor goes over a yellow field to harvest crops.

The Right Nutrients for Growing Employment

The agricultural and food processing workforce in Howard County is supported by several educational institutions. Nearby University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources in College Park, MD offers a diverse range of 20 academic programs and operates 12 research centers, while Howard Community College offers an associate degree in environmental science — cultivating a talent pipeline for food processing companies and farms. Such robust training is evidenced by the US Bureau of Labor Statistic’s report of over 2,000 food processors and more than 1,000 farmers working in the Columbia-Baltimore Metro Area alone in 2022.

A yellow sunflower is in focus against a blurred background of more sunflowers.

A Garden of Possibilities

A wide range of resources are available in Howard County for agricultural businesses. The University of Maryland Extension serves as a valuable hub right in Columbia, MD, offering up-to-date research and expertise in areas spanning food, nutrition, plant agriculture and agribusiness management. The HCEDA plays a crucial role by organizing events to aid new agricultural ventures, in addition to the annual Agricultural Grant for Innovation & Expansion. Countywide initiatives like HoCo Farms actively promote and support local businesses, while opportunities for state and federal grants and loans further enhance the ecosystem for agricultural development.