{"id":29391,"date":"2025-10-23T09:03:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T13:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=29391"},"modified":"2025-10-23T09:04:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T13:04:47","slug":"statewide-guidance-on-value-added-agriculture-and-agritourism-now-available","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2025\/10\/23\/statewide-guidance-on-value-added-agriculture-and-agritourism-now-available\/","title":{"rendered":"Statewide Guidance on Value-Added Agriculture and Agritourism Now Available"},"content":{"rendered":"

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 23, 2025)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The\u00a0Maryland Department of Agriculture<\/strong>\u00a0has announced the publication of the\u00a0Statewide Guidance and Analysis Document for Value-Added Agriculture and Agritourism<\/a><\/em>. A product of collaboration across multiple State Agencies and local engagement, this comprehensive publication aims to establish a baseline understanding of the complexities involved in regulating agricultural enterprises as they expand into consumer-facing and value-added processing functions and operations.<\/p>\n

“Value-added agriculture and agritourism are not just emerging trends; they are vital components of our state’s agricultural future,” said\u00a0Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks<\/strong>. “These industries have a significant impact on Maryland\u2019s economy and rural communities. We are hopeful that this guidance document will continue to enhance the conversation around the impacts of value-added agriculture and agritourism, fostering an environment where these businesses can thrive and innovate for generations to come.”<\/p>\n

Maryland’s largest commercial industry, agriculture contributes approximately $8.25 billion annually to the economy and covers nearly 2 million acres of the State in 2022. Despite the economic impact of the industry on the State, agriculture faces numerous challenges, including a steady decline in total farms and farmland. Value-added agriculture, which includes processing and agritourism, presents significant opportunities for growth and sustainability for next-generation farming operations.<\/p>\n

The new guidance document addresses existing policy, language, and processes across multiple regulatory levels, identifying challenges and opportunities related to the growth of these vital industries throughout Maryland.<\/p>\n

Key objectives of the document include:<\/p>\n