Value-Added Agriculture

Program History

In 2023, the Maryland General Assembly created a Value-Added Agricultural Specialist position within the Maryland Department of Agriculture (HB 389/SB34) The role of this Specialist is to assist Maryland farmers and agricultural stakeholders by providing information regarding value-added agriculture. In addition, the Specialist offers technical guidance and support to value-added agricultural endeavors.

What Is Value Added Agriculture?

The term “value-added agriculture" is defined by law as “the alteration or enhancement of a raw agricultural product, including livestock, or an agricultural service in a way that increases the product or service's worth to a consumer and brings more revenue to a farmer, producer, or processor. This includes all enterprises, including those providing equine activities, in which an agricultural business or the agricultural business's products or services are altered, marketed, produced, or processed in a way that adds income to a farmer, producer, or processor."

A February 2020 economic analysis of Maryland's value-added agricultural industry, utilizing data from the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network of Salisbury University, reveals that this sector plays a significant role in the state's economy by supporting close to 74,000 jobs and delivering a total economic impact of more than $20.6 billion annually.

Navigating Regulatory Framework Tutorial Video and Presentation

Navigating regulation for a new or expanded agricultural business can be tedious and confusing. There are many considerations when starting or expanding a business, but familiarity with regulatory expectations and what agencies may be associated with your proposed value-added product should offer some clarity for important decision-making.

This tutorial video is not specific to any one value-added product, but will hopefully provide a better understanding of important considerations and the various regulatory agencies relevant to your product. The Maryland Department of Agriculture does not administer many of the licenses or regulations mentioned below, and this presentation is for informational purposes only.