Small Farms Program - Resources

Resources

COVID-19 FARMER RESOURCES AND INFORMATION GUIDE

Dear Agriculture Community,

During these challenging times, our mission remains unchanged. We will continue to provide you with up-to-date information, resources, and ‘virtual’ educational programs in the coming months that will help you better manage the risks associated with farming and maintain successful agricultural businesses.

Click here to view a list of emergency programs, services, and/or
resources available to farmers impacted by the pandemic crisis.

Farm Service Agency “Your Guide to Farm Land Programs”

This online guide provides information about FSA’s farm loan and loan servicing options. A list of additional resources is also included in the guide.

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/index

Maryland Farmlink

Farm Land and Agricultural Resource Matching – Assistance offered in finding land to rent or buy for those who are interested in farming. Also, opportunities for those who own land you want to see farmed. Share your information and interest on this site.

https://marylandfarmlink.com/

Farm Permit Requirements

A Farmer’s Guide to Environmental Permits: Your quick reference to environmental permits needed on the farm.

https://mda.maryland.gov/Documents/farmpermitguide.pdf

Maryland Department of Agriculture

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Office of Resource Conservation works with Maryland farmers and soil conservation districts to plan and implement conservation practices and programs that balance crop and livestock production with the need to protect natural resources. The office provides a range of educational, financial, technical assistance, and regulatory programs to support Maryland agriculture and protect natural resources. The office works with a number of local, state, and federal agencies, while implementing policies established by the State Soil Conservation Committee. Five key areas – Program Planning and Development, Conservation Grants, Watershed Implementation, Nutrient Management, and District Operations – comprise the Office of Resource Conservation.

https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/default.aspx

Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center

A service of the U MD Extension office, provides successful rural business innovation strategies for your farm business plan, and your production and management techniques. Learn anywhere by using the many distance learning tools delivered on MREDC in audio, video, or other interactive format that are organized in modules.

https://extension.umd.edu/mredc

University of Maryland

UMES School of Natural Resources – Office of Agricultural Communications
University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Agricultural Law and Education Initiative
UMD ALEI Publications Library: Includes topics such as Agritourism, Agricultural Liability, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Environment and Natural Resources, Farm Data, Farm Labor, Farm Leasing, Food Safety, Farm Succession Planning, Legal Needs and Resources, and Neighbor Relations.
Maryland Beginning Farmer Success

Grow It Eat It

The mission of the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Grow It Eat It (GIEI) Program is to promote backyard and community food production. Since 2009, Master Gardeners have taught classes/workshops, developed demonstration gardens, and have educated Marylanders how to produce their own affordable and healthy food while using sustainable gardening practices in their home, community, and school gardens.

https://extension.umd.edu/mg/about-program/grow-it-eat-it

Grow It Eat It Planting Calendar

https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/crops

Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission

Farmer Resources: including Education, Marketing, Farm Supplies, Farm Grants, Sponsorships, Online Community, Farmer Training, Mentoring, Buy/Sell Farmland, Lease Farmland, Beginning Farmers, Equipment, Farmers Markets