Carroll County Farm Bureau

Carroll County’s agriculture sector remains a significant contributor to the local economy. The total market value of agricultural products sold in the county increased by 25.39%, from over $110 million in 2017 to more than $138 million in 2022, reflecting growth in crop, grain, fruit, berry, and tree nut sales, each rising at least 18%

The number of farms slightly increased from 1,174 to 1,180, while total farmland decreased from 146,000 acres to 130,000 acres, indicating a trend toward higher-value production on smaller acreage. Organic operations have grown significantly, rising 175% from four to eleven farms.

Carroll County has a long-standing commitment to farmland preservation. Since 1980, the county’s Agricultural Land Preservation program has preserved over 757 farms encompassing more than 80,067 acres, with a goal of permanently protecting at least 100,000 acres. This program is the most successful in Maryland and ranks among the top five similar local government programs in the U.S., providing economic, environmental, scenic, and heritage benefits. The county invests in land preservation easements to maintain the rural landscape and support sustainable agriculture.

Carroll County actively promotes agritourism and local farm products through initiatives like Carroll Grown, which connects consumers, restaurateurs, and farmers. The county hosts farmers’ markets and offers a Farm & Agritourism Guide to encourage residents and visitors to support local agriculture. Programs such as the Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Grant Program and the Maryland Leopold Conservation Award support innovation, sustainability, and the next generation of farmers.

Farmers in Carroll County have access to resources through the Small Business Development Center and the Department of Economic Development, which provide planning, training, and counseling to help agribusinesses thrive. These programs aim to sustain the county’s agricultural economy while addressing challenges faced by modern farmers, including market pressures and land management.