Harford Officially Opens One-Stop Ag Shop

A Harford County press release (2018-05-07) announced the ceremonial opening of the County’s new Agricultural Center at 3525 Conowingo Road in Street. The Center combines several agricultural agencies and agricultural service programs into a “one-stop shop.” From the press release:

“Now that we’re together, it’s easy to walk across the hall to ask questions or touch base on projects and activities,” said Alice Archer, secretary/treasurer of the Harford County Farm Bureau. “Many of our efforts cross-pollinate between our organizations, so it’s a great advantage to be in meetings together or to share what’s happening with our respective boards and committees. …

The consolidation of state and local organizations at the Center will save Harford County government $52K in rent per year and will generate approximately $27K in lease income. Future phases of the project include an open-air farmers’ market, agriculture expo center, and a walking trail connecting to county-owned open space adjacent to the property. Current tenants of the Center are Harford County Soil Conservation District (state and local offices), University of Maryland Extension Office, Maryland Department of Forest Pest Management, and the Harford County Farm Bureau. The site includes adequate parking for staff and visitors, a large meeting room with a teaching kitchen, and two conference rooms. The Center has additional space available to accommodate the federal Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service in the future.

A Delmarva Farmer article (2018-05-11) provided further coverage of the event:

“There have been task forces over the years, and for as many as 20 years, we’ve always talked about having an ag center where we could consolidate all our ag services and preserve Harford County’s agricultural heritage,” County Executive Barry Glassman said during the ceremony. “This spot will certainly grow and serve future generations of farmers, from research and preservation and all that we do to really help celebrate and preserve Harford County’s farming history.”