Frederick County has long been home to some of Maryland’s most innovative and resilient farmers. From family dairies and vibrant farmers markets to value-added products and on-farm stores, our agricultural community continues to evolve with the times. But as the marketplace changes, so must the tools and support available to help local farmers succeed.
That’s why the Frederick County Office of Agriculture is laying the groundwork for an exciting new project: a Regional Farm Retail Innovation Center.
Inspired by the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub, this new center would be the first of its kind in our region — a collaborative space where farmers, food entrepreneurs, and agricultural professionals can learn, innovate, and grow together. The goal? To strengthen the connection between farmers and consumers by supporting modern retail strategies, product development, technology adoption, and cultural inclusion in the local food system.
The center would serve as a hub for:
- Retail layout and merchandising training – helping farmers create inviting, modern farm stores and displays
- Product development – with test kitchens, food labs, and branding support
- E-commerce and logistics – tackling the challenges of online sales and delivery
- Workforce and entrepreneurship training – providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and support for farmers, food makers, and ag-based businesses.
- Cultural integration – ensuring local products reflect the diverse tastes and traditions of Frederick’s growing population
The first step will be launching a feasibility study and business plan in fiscal year 2026. This study will help determine the best structure, location, and program offerings to meet the needs of our region’s farmers and food producers.
As this process begins, we want to hear directly from our agricultural community. Your ideas, challenges, and aspirations will help shape this facility from the ground up. What would help you grow your business? What barriers are you facing in retail, marketing, or product development? What tools or training would make the biggest difference?
Frederick County is proud to lead the charge in shaping the future of local agriculture. The Farm Retail Innovation Center will ensure that our farmers not only keep up with a changing world but also continue to thrive, inspire, and feed our communities for generations to come.
Stay tuned for engagement opportunities — and if you’re a farmer, educator, entrepreneur, or simply a fan of farm-fresh food, we hope you’ll join us on this exciting journey.