Agriculture

Agriculture is at the core of Cecil County’s rural heritage and quality of life.

Cecil County comprises 222,824 acres, approximately 33% of which is farmland. The working landscapes are devoted mainly to cash grain crops – corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and barley. Other land uses include tree fruits, such as apples, peaches, and pears, table grapes and berries, nurseries, apiaries for honey and beeswax, a wide variety of vegetables, and livestock production (beef, pork, poultry, and more).

Community Supported Agriculture or CSA memberships are available year-round thanks to the use of high tunnels and greenhouses. CSAs allows you to receive a box of fresh produce weekly, your share of the farm’s harvest. Your membership payment funds the farms up-front planting and operating costs. Traditional U-Pick operations, roadside stands and farmers markets also off er fresh, seasonal fruits, honey, berries, and vegetables.

Warwick Mushroom Farm, the largest operation on one site with almost a half-million square feet under roof, uses the most modern growing technology on their farm in southern Cecil County.

Our climate is great for growing ornamental plants and trees as well. We are home to several large wholesale nurseries that transport their products all over the U.S..

Horses are big business in Maryland and Cecil County is home to equine operations of all sizes, including the Fair Hill Training Center, the most innovative Thoroughbred training center in Maryland; Select Breeders Services International Headquarters, Hassler Dressage’s world-class facility at Riveredge, Winbak Farm - the largest Standardbred operation in North America, Northview Stallion Station – a renowned Thoroughbred operation, and numerous smaller operations housing rehabilitation facilities, therapeutic riding, and lessons for people of all ages. Cecil County is also home to the Maryland 5 Star, an international Olympic level eventing competition and one of only 7 of its kind in the world.

Diversifi cation of traditional farming in Cecil County includes vineyards and wineries, farm breweries and

distilleries, cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream,

free-range meats, poultry and eggs – all available from your local farmer/grower/producer. Many producers also now off er farm fresh products delivered right to your door year-round!

To fi nd a local farm store or market near you visit www.cecilgrown.com

Look for the Cecil Grown logo that certifi es products are grown right here in the county! To learn more about Cecil County Agriculture, a division of the Cecil County Offi ce of Economic Development, please call 410-996-6292, or visit www.cecilcountyag.org