First Office Of Agriculture Opens In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The county's first Office of Agriculture has opened in West Friendship Park. It's also the third such office in Maryland.

Headed by Office of Agriculture Administrator James Zoller, the OoA houses various agricultural programs and staff to enhance coordination and impact, as well as provide co-working opportunities for the agriculture-facing functions of the county’s Department of Planning and Zoning, Howard County Economic Development Authority, University of Maryland Extension and Howard Soil Conservation District.

The office will also work with the county’s Department of Recreation & Parks to provide agriculturally focused recreational programming and learning opportunities for residents at the park.

“Since I became Howard County Executive, we have worked hard to prioritize the needs of our agricultural community, both as businesses and as a valued way of life. Together, we have made strides to innovate and invest in local farming to ensure a thriving future for our county’s farms,” said Executive Calvin Ball at a news conference unveiling the office. “With the opening of our Office of Agriculture here at West Friendship Park, we are bringing much-needed support and resources closer to our county’s farming community so they can continue to thrive, grow and prosper for generations to come.”

“Farming has a long history and heritage in Howard County, and with the establishment of this office– and the visionary coordination and collaboration it represents – the industry has a strong future,” added Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks.

In addition to opening the new OoA, Ball also said his proposed fiscal year 2026 capital budget includes a $1 million investment for the planning and design of a full-scale agricultural center at West Friendship Park. This facility will provide space for meetings, trainings and events, demonstration areas for enhanced collaboration between Howard County, farmers and other stakeholders, and additional office space.

Last March, Ball announced the establishment of a West Friendship Park Agricultural Programming Focus Group to identify programs and uses for the county’s Department of Recreation & Parks’ West Friendship Park that will offer learning experiences for residents and visitors, while supporting the county’s agriculture community. This nearly 300-acre park features woodlands and open fields, of which 100-acres are in permanent forest and conservation easements.