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.
Fast Facts
Of Howard County (or 40,000 Acres) is Farmland
Farms in Howard County
Largest Economic Driver in the State (Agriculture & Farming)
Food Scene
Agriculture is part of our lifestyle – meaning you get farm-to-table freshness in every bite of our stellar culinary offerings.
Agriculture Businesses in Howard County
From farms to food processing and distribution, agricultural businesses in Howard County support a nationwide demand.
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.
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 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.
Featured News + Events
Libraries That Power Our Economy
Howard County is moving forward with a bold new Central Library at the Columbia Lakefront—a transformational project that will serve as both a civic anchor and economic engine for years to come. As County Executive Calvin Ball and HCLS President & CEO Tonya Aikens announced renewed momentum for the project, we are proud to release
SphereHub to Compete at Pumpkin Pitch 2025
The Pumpkin Pitch 2025 is right around the corner and the Maryland Innovation Center will once again open its stage to five promising startups on Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM. Each company has a story, a vision and a solution to some of today’s most pressing challenges. This year, SphereHub is one of the
Appellate Takes the Stage at Pumpkin Pitch
The countdown is on for Pumpkin Pitch 2025, one of Howard County’s most exciting celebrations of entrepreneurship and innovation. On Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center, five incredible startups will pitch their ideas live for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes. Among them is Appellate, a company tackling a
