Agriculture

The agricultural industry is a vital part of the economy and value of life in Frederick County. As the county grows and is able to provide more and better services to it's citizens, so does the ag-industry. The traditional farm is changing to meet the needs of the growing population by producing desired crops and becoming more efficient. Frederick County ranks first in the state in the number of organic farms, demonstrating a strong local commitment to growing green products.

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Agricultural producers in the county have expanded production of:

• Nursery and greenhouse crops more than tripled in value from 2002 to 2007.
• Vegetable production increased 43% from 2002 to 2007.
• The number of Christmas tree production acres harvested increased 16% from 2002 to 2007.

Frederick County offers a rare combination of a thriving agricultural industry and a growing professional population.

• The large agricultural base covers more than 202,000 acres of farmland. This makes Frederick County the largest agricultural county in Maryland, accounting for 10% of Maryland's total farmland.
• There are 1400+ farms in Frederick County accounting for the largest number of farms in the state, representing an increase of 13% since 2002.
• Frederick County ranks #1 in Maryland for:
  • turkeys, cattle and equine inventory
  • value of sales for other crops and hay, cattle, and dairy products
  • number of corn for silage acres and forage acres
• Frederick County farmers produce almost $130 million of agricultural products annually.

Source: 2007 Census of Agriculture

Frederick County Business Development and Retention Division

The Frederick County Business Development and Retention Division is dedicated to encouraging the establishment of new business while providing for the growth of existing industries. The Ag-Industry is one of Frederick Counties largest industries with far reaching effects on the economy and value of life in the county. Sixty-five percent of the land in Frederick County is zoned agricultural.

Services available include:

• Assisting the Ag-Industry with the development of business plans to start or expand agricultural businesses
• Acting as an information source and liaison on behalf of the Ag-Industry
• Promoting and educating the citizens of the county on the impact and benefits associated with a thriving Ag-Industry
• Encouraging the relocation of Ag-Industries into Frederick County and promoting the retention and expansion of the existing Ag-Industry.