Maryland Department of Agriculture

Supporting Maryland farmers, producers and agricultural businesses

Government AgencySuburban Maryland

About Maryland Department of Agriculture

What it is

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is the state agency that provides regulatory, consumer service and educational support for agriculture in Maryland. Its stated goals are to ensure consumer confidence, protect the environment and promote agriculture. It is headquartered at 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis, with branch offices across the state, and works through three units: the Office of Marketing, Consumer Services and Animal Industries; the Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management; and the Office of Resource Conservation.

What it offers food and ag founders

Marketing: Maryland's Best is the statewide program that connects consumers to Maryland farm and seafood products. Producer registration is free. MDA also runs an International Trade Program, the Maryland Farm to School Program and a farmers market directory.
Selling to the state: The Certified Local Farm and Fish Program lists certified farms and seafood providers in a directory that state agencies and public universities use to work toward a goal of buying 20 percent of their food from certified sources. Certification is free.
Value-added help: A State Value-Added Agricultural Specialist, a position created by the General Assembly in 2023, gives technical guidance to farmers and stakeholders turning raw products into processed or enhanced goods. MDA notes it does not administer many of the licenses involved, so founders should also check with other agencies.
Grants: Programs include the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Maryland Postharvest Infrastructure Grant, the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, the Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism (MFARM) grant and Urban Agriculture Water and Power Grants.

Licensing and regulation

MDA's Licenses and Permits page links to programs covering egg inspection, live poultry sales, grain, organic certification, weights and measures, waste kitchen grease, nursery plants, turf and seed, pesticides, the State Chemist, apiary registration and horse stable licenses. Food businesses that sell by weight, sell eggs, or want to market products as organic will likely interact with one of these programs.

Who it is for and how to engage

MDA serves farmers, seafood providers, food and fiber processors, nurseries and agribusinesses, along with consumers. A founder starting a farm product, specialty crop or value-added food business can begin by registering with Maryland's Best, reviewing the Value-Added Agriculture page and its regulatory framework tutorial, and checking open grant programs on the Office of Marketing page. The main line is 410-841-5700.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

For food and agriculture founders in Maryland, MDA is the starting point for state marketing channels, institutional buyers and agriculture-specific grants that general small business programs do not cover. Many grants and certifications are applied for through Maryland OneStop, and deadlines vary by program, so check each program page for current status.

Programs

Maryland's Best
Statewide marketing program that connects consumers to Maryland agricultural and seafood products. Producers can register for a free listing.
Certified Local Farm and Fish Program
Free certification that lists qualifying farms and seafood providers in a directory used by state agencies and public universities, which aim to buy 20 percent of their food from certified sources.
Value-Added Agriculture
A State Value-Added Agricultural Specialist provides technical guidance on value-added projects, plus a regulatory framework tutorial and statewide guidance on value-added agriculture and agritourism.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
USDA-funded competitive grants to improve the competitiveness of Maryland specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, hops, grapes and nursery crops. Projects must benefit more than a single business.
Maryland Postharvest Infrastructure Grant
Funds cold storage, transportation, distribution logistics, handling and food safety infrastructure in rural Maryland, with agricultural producers and seafood processors as a stated priority. MDA lists $3.6 million in total funding.
Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program (MFARM)
Grants of $5,000 to $40,000 that let Maryland food banks and food access nonprofits buy Maryland farm and seafood products, creating a market for local producers.
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program
Food system infrastructure grant program listed by MDA's marketing office.
Urban Agriculture Water and Power Grants
Infrastructure grants for urban agriculture water and power needs, run by the Office of Resource Conservation.
International Trade Program
MDA program supporting international marketing of Maryland agricultural products.
Maryland Farm to School Program
State program connecting Maryland farms with schools.

Who it serves

Maryland farmers, seafood providers, food and fiber processors, nurseries and agribusiness founders, plus organizations buying or distributing Maryland-grown food.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to join Maryland's Best or the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program?

No. Maryland's Best describes producer registration as free, and MDA states there is no cost to become a Certified Local Farm or Chesapeake Invasive Species Provider.

Who can help me with a value-added food product like jams, sauces or processed meat?

MDA's State Value-Added Agricultural Specialist provides technical guidance. MDA notes it does not administer many of the licenses involved, so you will also need to check with other agencies; its regulatory framework tutorial outlines where to look.

Can a single farm or food business get a Specialty Crop Block Grant?

Only if the project benefits a broader group of similar producers or an industry segment. Projects that only benefit or profit a single business, organization or individual are not eligible.

Where do I find the licenses my food or farm business needs from MDA?

The Licenses and Permits page links to programs for eggs, live poultry, grain, organic certification, weights and measures, nursery plants, turf and seed, pesticides, apiaries and more.

Where is MDA and how do I contact it?

Headquarters is at 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. The main phone number is 410-841-5700, and Maryland Relay users can dial 7-1-1.