CHARLES COUNTY AGRICULTURE Almost half a century removed from a tobacco-focused farm economy, Charles County, Maryland has a rich agricultural history. Located within the rapidly developing D.C. Metro Region, Charles County is experiencing growth in a historically rural region, and local agriculture continues to have a positive impact on the local economy. Although the agricultural landscape looks quite different now, these industries are still an integral part of Charles County, and buying locally grown products and visiting farms is a great way to support the local economy. Agriculture has been a mainstay of the region’s economy and culture for many years. But since the decline in the region’s tobacco industry, the County’s agricultural landscape has become far more diversified. Today, Charles County is home to 385 farms across more than 41,000 acres. These totals have been on a steady decline for 30 years and are nearly half what they were several decades ago. Regardless of the shrinking footprint, revenues have almost doubled within the local agricultural industry. Charles County is now home to a variety of agricultural enterprises including – but not limited to – field crops, vegetables, fruits, livestock, equine activities, cut flowers, and agritourism. With sprawling natural resources and spanning shorelines, Charles County is also home to healthy forestry and seafood industries.
With over three hundred miles of shoreline, mostly along the Potomac River, Charles County’s natural resourcebased economy spans to our local waterways. Local watermen harvest fresh fish, shellfish, and crabs that can be enjoyed seasonally at numerous local crab houses and restaurants Through farm stores, stands, farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions, and retailers or restaurants that source locally, accessing and locating farm fresh produce and value-added agricultural products is easy. Some farms open seasonally to the public for agritourism operations that include pick-your-own produce and flowers, hayrides, and other fun family activities. The diversification of Charles County agriculture has presented many opportunities for the community to buy local. For more information about Charles County agriculture, reach out to the Charles County Economic Development Department at 301-885-1340, or visit www.meetcharlescounty.com
Photo courtesy of Hancock Family Farms
www.charlescountychamber.org
31
