Tools and opportunities for Farm-Based Businesses & Commercial Watermen
Arundel Ag connects farm-based businesses, commercial watermen, and local producers with the resources they need to succeed in Anne Arundel County. From promotional guides that help residents discover and support local agriculture to grant programs, equipment access, and trusted regional partnerships, these tools are designed to strengthen operations, increase visibility, and support a thriving buy-local economy.
Ag Guides
Agriculture Guide
The Arundel Grown Agriculture Guide is an annually updated directory connecting residents and businesses with locally grown, raised, and produced goods across Anne Arundel County.
Featuring farm-based businesses, value-added producers, and on-farm experiences, the guide makes it easy to discover and support local agriculture year-round. There is no cost to be listed, and all agricultural businesses are encouraged to participate.
Farmers Markets Guide
The Anne Arundel County Farmers Markets Guide helps residents find when and where to shop local throughout the year, highlighting farmers markets across Anne Arundel County and the wide variety of fresh, locally produced goods available.
From seasonal produce to specialty products, the guide supports both consumers and local producers while strengthening the county’s buy-local economy.
Regional & State Buy Local Partners
In addition to Arundel Ag’s programs, several regional and statewide organizations work to promote local producers and strengthen Maryland’s buy-local economy. These partners help expand visibility, connect producers with customers, and support the growth of agriculture and seafood industries across the region.
Operated by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland’s Best connects consumers with local producers through an online directory, events, marketing initiatives, and statewide promotion of Maryland-grown products.
Southern Maryland Buy Local Guides
Produced by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), these guides highlight locally grown, raised, and produced goods, farm services, and on-farm experiences across Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties.
Representing approximately 60 regional farms, this initiative strengthens the local food economy by connecting consumers directly with local meat producers.
Supporting Maryland’s commercial wineries, the association promotes and advances the state’s grape and wine industry through education, advocacy, and marketing.
Arundel Ag Programs & Support
Arundel Ag offers targeted programs designed to help farm-based businesses and commercial watermen start, sustain, and grow their operations in Anne Arundel County. These initiatives reduce operational costs, support business expansion, and provide practical resources that strengthen the local agricultural and maritime economy.
- Agricultural Business Improvement Grant (ABIG) Program – Annual program that provides matching grants of up to $10,000 for growth-focused projects, including infrastructure improvements, equipment investments, and aquaculture initiatives.
- Farm Equipment Rental Program – Offers access to a wide variety of farm equipment, including a mobile poultry processing unit, available for rent at reasonable rates to support diverse farming needs.
- Agriculture Scrap Tire Disposal Program – Allows agribusiness owners to safely dispose of farm-use tires at no cost through an environmentally responsible collection program.
Key Resources for Ag Businesses & Commercial Watermen
In addition to Arundel Ag’s programs and resources, our Resource Library includes a wide range of resources and organizations that exist to support and raise the visibility of agricultural businesses, commercial watermen, and other producers.