About
The Howard County Office of Agriculture stands as a steadfast guardian of the region's agricultural heritage, committed to ensuring that farming remains a thriving and sustainable industry. Through a comprehensive array of services including business support, technical assistance, and promotional initiatives, the Office empowers local farmers to navigate the complexities of today’s agriculture. By fostering collaboration as a vital liaison between farms and various county agencies, it cultivates an environment where innovation and tradition coexist, inspiring future generations to embrace the noble pursuit of agriculture while preserving the rich landscape of Howard County.
Office Location (appointment preferred)
12985 Frederick Road
West Friendship, MD 21794
Contact our office at officeofag@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-0880
Office of Agriculture Initiatives
Explore HoCo Fresh at hocofarms.com to discover a variety of locally produced goods available from Howard County Farms. The HoCo Farms website connects residents and visitors with local farms offering produce, protein, and other agricultural products grown and raised right here in our community. Explore the site to find farm stands, markets, and producers near you, and learn how you can support Howard County’s vibrant agricultural economy.
The Roving Radish program promotes healthy eating and supports local agriculture by making it easier to access fresh, locally sourced food. Through its meal kits, mobile market, and marketplace, Roving Radish brings Howard County grown produce, meats, and other farm products directly to residents.
The Howard County Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) consists of seven board members from the local farming community. Board meetings take place throughout the year on matters related to the Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF).
The West Friendship Park Agricultural Focus Group undertook the important task of envisioning innovative agricultural programs and uses for the expansive 380-acre county-owned park in West Friendship, Maryland. Comprised of 23 individuals, including agricultural leaders, engaged citizens, dedicated elected officials, and representatives from agricultural-related county agencies, this diverse group convened over three insightful meetings to generate a report of recommendations for agricultural programs and uses at the West Friendship Park.
Agricultural Grant Opportunities
Howard County is offering grant funding opportunities to preserve, support, and grow agriculture within the county. These grants are designed to encourage expansion, diversification, sustainability, and education in agriculture by supporting research, programming, and production improvements. The program is funded through the Agricultural Preservation Fund and administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) in cooperation with the Howard County Office of Agriculture (OOAG).
Through this application you may apply for one or both grants. If you apply for both grants you will be evaluated for each grant but can only be awarded one grant. An organization or farm can only receive one grant per year. Funding may support programming, research, capital investments, production, buildings, fixtures, processing facilities, or other eligible activities that facilitate the expansion, sustainability, and/or education of Howard County Agriculture.
Applications are due February 20, 2026, by 11:59 PM. Awards will be announced by March 10, 2026.
The full value of the grant must be spent by July 31, 2027 (1.5 years from issuance).
All applications will be reviewed and scored out of 200 points by a panel selected by the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Applicants that have never been awarded an EAG or AGIE grant receive a 10-point bonus. Partially completed sections may result in zero points awarded for that section. Incomplete applications will be disqualified and will not be scored. These are competitive grants, and not all applicants will receive funding. Awards are granted at the discretion of the HCEDA in cooperation with the OOAG.
Completed applications or questions regarding applications and supporting documentation should be emailed to AgGrants@howardcountymd.gov
Click link below for application. Be sure to watch our short walkthrough video for step-by-step guidance on completing your grant application, including a quick explanation of each section to help you submit a complete and accurate application.
The Howard County Agricultural Innovation Grant is for Howard County’s agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations. Eligible applicants must be a crop or livestock producer or processor, agricultural cooperative, or primary or secondary timber products processor.
Applicants can receive grants from $1,000.00 up to $20,000.00 for research and development, production buildings, major fixtures, processing facilities, etc. There is one annual grant cycle each year. These Grants are administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority.
Howard County Enhanced Agricultural Grant provides funds to the agricultural community to preserve and support agriculture in Howard County. These grants can be used for programing, research, and/or capital investments provided the grants facilitate the expansion, sustainability, and/or education of Howard County Agriculture.
Applicants may request up to $250,000. Awards are typically between $20,000–$70,000 and a total of $500,000 will be distributed. EAG awardees initially receive 20% of the award, with the balance reimbursed upon submission of receipts and reimbursement forms. These Grants are administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority.