Farm Programs
Howard County has several programs that work towards increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of local farms. Approximately ¼ of all Howard County lands, or 40,000 acres, are farmland. Howard County has a diverse agriculture industry including 335 farms.
Howard County has developed initiatives to support the health and vitality of farming in the county. Programs are in several different agencies (Office of Community Sustainability, Economic Development Authority, Soil Conservation District, Department of Planning and Zoning), so we’ve tried to provide descriptions and links here.
The initiatives developed by the above groups cover four areas:
- Unifying and better coordinating various county agriculture programs
- Supporting projects that help our local farms remain profitable
- Educating the community about the needs and challenges of farming operations to increase community cooperation
- Ensuring that thoughtful, supportive legislation is in place to govern property and farming rights
HoCoFarms.com
HocoFarms.com is a new website created by the Office of Community Sustainability to connect our farms to the community. The website allows the community to find Howard County Farm products easily as well as local farm activities offered. The website also informs our agricultural community on different events that are offered by various Howard County agencies.
HOCOFresh
HOCO Fresh is a new Howard County program to encourage restaurants and businesses to buy produce and proteins from our Howard County Farms. Restaurants and businesses can receive recognition that they have purchased Howard County farm products at the Gold ($5,000), Silver ($2,500) or Bronze ($1,000) levels.
For business to become “HOCO Fresh” they must turn receipts in from Howard County farm purchases, into the Office of Community Sustainability. All receipt received must be received by December 31st to qualify for a certification for that current year.
The certification will be presented throughout the year on a rolling basis as they are received. Purchases can be made direct from the farms or can be purchased through the Roving Radish Wholesale Distribution Program.
Roving Radish
The Roving Radish sells affordable, healthy meal kits sourced from local and regional farms. Each meal kit includes two recipes and all the ingredients needed to prepare two dinners for a family of four. Produce is chopped and prepared as much as possible and spices are measured out, saving you time and making the meals easy to prepare. Meat and vegetarian kits are available each week. To learn more, visit RovingRadish.com
Farmers can also sell products to restaurants through Roving Radish. The benefit is that Roving Radish will deliver the products and help build relationships between restaurants and farms.
Farm Academy
Farm Academy is a program designed to connect the community and farms through farm tours, lectures, and Howard County Fair tours lead by 4-H students. During Farm Academy sessions, farmers explain various kinds of farming operations at their farm, ranging from livestock to crops, produce, and nurseries. Visitors get an up-close look at the farm operation and receive a tour. Each session is around 3 hours.
Farm-City
Farm-City aims to provide opportunities for interaction between urban citizens and farmers in Howard County. This celebration highlights our farm-city interdependence and promotes understanding and appreciation between people on either side of the imaginary boundary separating town from country.
Farm-City Celebration provides fun activities each fall to help bridge the gap between city and farm life. Visit local farms, public libraries, and farmers markets to enjoy family friendly activities and food from the Howard County farming community. This event is held by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) across Howard County.
Howard County Soil Conservation District (HSCD)
HSCD’s staff of trained specialists helps landowners make wise land use decisions for their properties.
Technical experts provide direct one-on-one assistance to farmers, homeowners, community associations and county departments with natural resource problems and questions. The HSCD is non-regulatory and calls on the expertise of cooperating state and federal agencies in addressing natural resource issues. Cost sharing assistance may be available for conservation practices that control erosion and improve water quality. Visit www.howardscd.org to learn more about their programs.
Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)
HCEDA includes programs specific to farms and agriculture. Visit their website for information on farm programs, marketing, diversifying, and more. Farm-related listings can be found for farm markets, farm-to-table and a farm search of all agriculture in Howard County.
Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ)
DPZ maintains the Agriculture Preservation programs and works with farmers on issues related to zoning and building codes. To learn more, visit the Ag Preservation and Easements page on this website.
Food Policy
In 2014, Howard County convened a Food Policy Task Force to develop a strategy for food systems in Howard County. The task force was made up of leaders in the fields of food production, restaurants, the community college, and the corrections system. It also had members who work on behalf of our vulnerable populations.
The efforts of the Task Force led to the creation of the Roving Radish. It also led to the hiring of an Agricultural Coordinator. James Zoller, jzoller@howardcountymd.gov serves in this role and works on a number of the programs listed on this page. Several reports were also generated: