Office of agriculture
Who Are We?
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.
Through the Howard County Office of Agriculture, we offer many resources and programs to support local farmers.
Check them out!
The Roving Radish
The Roving Radish promotes healthy eating, supports local farms, and connects our community through a farm-to-table marketplace and meal kits. Products are available at a discounted rate to those in need.
The meal kit program runs from May through November, offering Howard County residents the flexibility to order either meat meal kits, veggie meal kits, or both. Priced at $40 each, unless subsidized, these kits generously feed a family of four.
The meal kits are designed to be convenient and user-friendly, providing all the essentials for a delicious meal. Each kit comes with a recipe, a variety of vegetables, portioned spice mixes, proteins, pasta and grains, and canned goods. Household staples like salt, pepper, and sugar are usually not included.
Check out our socials!
HoCo Fresh
HoCo Fresh is a social media campaign celebrating Howard County’s farmers and the locally grown produce. We provide HoCo Fresh signs to farmers, helping customers easily identify and support local products at market stands. Local farms can also nominate restaurants that feature their ingredients as HoCo Fresh, recognizing and rewarding businesses that use locally grown products.
If you are a local Howard County farmer who sells locally grown products or knows a resturant that uses Howard County farm products, contact our office today!
Check out our socials!
HoCo New and Beginning Farmer Program
The New & Beginning Farmer Program (NBFP) at the Howard County Office of Agriculture is designed to support aspiring farmers in launching profitable and sustainable farming businesses. Under the leadership of County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, the NBFP is a pathway to success for new farmers by providing access to land, essential resources, and professional mentorship. Open to all Maryland residents, this program offers a structured pathway to launching a successful farm business. This initiative provides beginning and returning-generation farmers with the resources, training, and mentorship needed to succeed in agriculture. The Office of Agriculture provides guidance and connection to resources, ensuring participants have the support they need throughout their farming journey.
Applications for the 2026 cohort closed in December 2025. Please follow us on social media to get updates on the 2027 cohort. Complete the “contact us” form if you would like us to add your name and email to our interest list for future cohorts. The next applications will likely open in October of 2026. This information is subject to change.
If you are interested in growing in Howard County, you may find these resource useful:
Link to Howard County Master Gardener
Link to Columbia Gardeners (Garden Plots)
The Howard County Office of Agriculture’s New and Beginning Farmer Program invites community members to join the Teaching and Learning Plot.
Whether you’re new to farming, looking to build your skills, or interested in the 2027 New and Beginning Farmer Cohort, this is a great opportunity for hands-on learning and connection with local agriculture.
There is no cost to participate in the Teaching and Learning Plot. Complete the survey below to get started.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/teachandlearnplot
Check out our socials!
HoCo Farmers Connect and Collaborate
HoCo Farmers Connect and Collaborate is a series of family-friendly events throughout the year that bring together farmers and ag agencies to network and explore new opportunities. It’s a fun, relaxed way to build connections and strengthen the Howard County farming community.
If you are a farmer and are interested in attending one of our upcoming events, please contact our office.
Farm Academy
Farm Academy is a program designed to connect the community and farms through farm tours and education. During Farm Academy sessions, farmers educate residents on various farming operations from livestock to crops and nurseries.
HoCo Harvest for Hungry
HoCo Harvest for the Hungry is a Howard County program where local hunters donate deer they harvest. The deer will be donated by local hunters, processed by three local businesses, and then delivered to the Howard County Food Bank by the Roving Radish. This program helps reduce deer overpopulation and provides food to families in need, funded by local organizations.
