Howard County opened a new Office of Agriculture in West Friendship Park in support of farms and farmers.
“We have and will continue to do more to make sure that agriculture remains a viable business and lifestyle for today’s farming families and future generations,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “The Office of Agriculture will create a physical space where all our agriculture-facing functions can collaborate toward a common goal of supporting farms and farmers. By locating the new Office of Agriculture at West Friendship Park, we envision a strong partnership between the Office and the Department of Recreation and Parks to develop and administer agricultural learning and recreational uses. These combined efforts will help develop and promote agricultural learning and agri-recreation among our residents and visitors.” The creation of the OoA is consistent with the policy directive provided by the County’s recently adopted General Plan, HoCo By Design, specifically with Economic Prosperity Policy 9, Implementing Action 6.
As part of the County’s Department of County Administration, the OoA will have four full-time positions: Administrator of Agriculture, Executive Assistant, Manager – Agricultural Program, and Manager – Roving Radish Program. OCS’s Agricultural Coordinator position will also be reassigned to OoA. Ball plans to include money in his proposed Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget for the three additional position