Agricultural Workforce Development Programs in Maryland

The University of Maryland Extension's Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, which is a component of the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, focuses on balancing nutrient applications with crop requirements to optimize crop production while reducing pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. The University of Maryland Extension Nutrient Management Program helps farmers comply with the Water Quality Act to protect the Chesapeake Bay by promoting effective and environmentally sound nutrient application. Find the next event or training near you.

The Maryland Beginning Farmer Success Course is a 10-week, online program offered annually by the University of Maryland Extension . It is designed for aspiring and beginner farmers, covering critical topics like business planning, marketing, soil health, crop and livestock production, and land acquisition. The program runs during the winter and spring months, specifically designed to help new operators turn their agricultural goals into a viable business.

The University of Maryland Plant Science Department, Food Safety Group collaborates with the Maryland Department of Agriculture Food Quality Assurance Program , UMD Agriculture Law Education Initiative , and the University of Maryland Extension Food Safety to provide Maryland farmers and producers with support, education and assistance in fresh produce safety. (More about us here: https://youtu.be/KA8gbDyNOlo ) The past two decades have seen the implementation of both Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), Produce Safety Rule. Maryland farmers are aware that food safety ensures both healthy consumers and a healthy market. The above collaborators provide training sessions in basic GAP and advanced GAP to assist growers in understanding food safety risks on their farm and developing/implementing a food safety plan to minimize those risks. The training can also assist growers in obtaining GAP certification frequently required by buyers.

The University of Maryland Extension runs the state’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The goal of the program is to provide pesticide applicators with education and training that address human and environmental safety while supporting effective management of pests. All applicators of restricted use pesticides have to be certified in accordance with EPA regulations and state and tribal laws. Maryland also requires all commercial pesticide applicators to be certified. The Maryland Department of Agriculture issues pesticide certification while the University of Maryland Extension assists with the training and education of applicators.

The LEAD Program seeks applicants, age 21 or older, with career, service, or interest in: production agriculture, natural resources, the environment and conservation, food (processing, sourcing, distribution, marketing, safety), rural communities and development, business, communications, education, government, science and technology, finance, and much more. Fellowships provide: Public Issues Education (PIE); Personal growth and leadership development opportunities; Communications and problem-solving skills training; Support, direction, and resources to help emerging leaders succeed in serving agricultural, natural resources, and rural community sectors; Opportunities to learn more about Maryland and to meet leaders from throughout the state. Over two years, LEAD program curriculum delivers lessons through a series of 11 multi-day seminars and participation in a study tour.

MidAtlantic Women In Agriculture has proudly offered Annie's Project to the region since 2008! Annie's Project is designed to empower women in agriculture to develop networks and skills key to making successful business partners. Through the courses, women in agriculture find answers, strength, friendship, and grow in confidence, business skills, and community prestige.

Entrepreneurial Coaching provides agricultural or food-related business entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a trained agriculture service provider. Coaches help entrepreneurs evaluate business concepts and expansion strategies — covering startup assistance, resource identification, business and marketing plan creation, and regulatory compliance. Sessions are tailored to each entrepreneur's unique situation and goals.

Discover how to combine farming and tourism to boost your income. This UMES Extension program helps farmers create engaging, educational experiences for visitors while promoting local agriculture.

This training equips loggers with best practices in safety, environmental stewardship, and business management - perfect for those entering or advancing in the timber industry.