| 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. Agricultural
producers in the county have expanded production of:
- Soybean crop total production and corn for grain total production doubled from 2002 to 2004
- Turkey production has increased to 700,000 turkeys produced
each year
- Nursery and greenhouse crops more than tripled in value from 1992 to 2002
Frederick County offers a rare combination of a thriving agricultural
industry and a growing professional population.
- The large agricultural base covers more than 195,000 acres of farmland. This makes Frederick County the largest agricultural county in Maryland, accounting for 10% of Maryland's total farmland.
- There are 1200+ farms in Frederick County accounting for the largest number of farms in the state.
- Frederick County ranks #2 in Maryland for both number of equine
facilities (2180) and number of acres used solely for equine purposes
(22,000).
- Frederick County also ranks #3 in Maryland for number
of equine (8290).
- Dairy farmers sell more than $50 million of dairy products each
year. This makes Frederick County one of the top 75 counties in
the country for the production of dairy products.
- Frederick county farmers produce almost $100 million of agricultural
products annually.
Source: 2002 Census of Agriculture; 2004 Frederick County Agricultural Profile
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development 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.
The Office of Economic Development is committed to assisting and
promoting the Ag-Industry in Frederick County and it's goal in facilitating
the economic viability of the Ag-Industry. 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.
Agriculture Resources
The Association of Maryland Wineries
The Farmer's Almanac
Frederick County
Extension Office
The Great Frederick
Fair
National 4-H Council
National FFA
Maryland 4-H Center
Maryland Dept of Agriculture
Maryland Farm Bureau
Maryland's Best
National Grange
United States Department of Agriculture
University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
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