← Maryland Farm Programs Guide
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay with extensive coastline and tidal rivers. The terrain is gently rolling with numerous creeks, including the Severn and South Rivers.
Urban pressure limits farming to specialty crops and equestrian operations concentrated in the western rural areas. Remaining agricultural land supports horse farms, nurseries, and small-scale vegetable production.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Maryland |
| Top Commodities | Corn, Floriculture, Soybeans, Vegetables, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Anne Arundel County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
2662 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
5301 Marlboro Race Track Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Farm Structure in Anne Arundel County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Anne Arundel County at an average farm size of 79 acres and 56% small operations. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Anne Arundel County
Given the operation mix in Anne Arundel County, the practices that most often come up are cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election for row-crop ground, and high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, and NAP coverage for specialty-crop acres. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Anne Arundel County Operations
Based on Anne Arundel County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs emphasize protecting water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through buffer strips and nutrient management. Beginning farmer programs help new producers access high-value land near urban markets.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Nearby Counties
Operators in Anne Arundel County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Baltimore County, Maryland, Calvert County, Maryland, Howard County, Maryland, Kent County, Maryland, Prince George's County, Maryland, and Queen Anne's County, Maryland. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Anne Arundel County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Maryland guide: Maryland Farm Programs Guide
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