Agriculture

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 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 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.