Howard County officials marked a milestone for the region’s farming community on August 28, 2026 by breaking ground on the county’s inaugural agricultural center. Named for the late Charles C. Feaga, a lifelong farmer and the longest‑serving councilmember in Howard County history, the Charles C. Feaga Agricultural Center will consolidate a range of agricultural services under one roof in West Friendship Park.
County leadership backs the project
County Executive Calvin Ball, a longtime advocate for local agriculture, said farming in Howard County is “more than a business; it’s a cherished way of life.” He noted that supporting farmers has been a priority of his administration, allocating $1 million in 2025 for planning and design and an additional $3.3 million this year for site development. Construction is slated to begin in July 2027 with an anticipated opening in December 2029.
What the center will house
The new hub will host the Howard County Office of Agriculture, University of Maryland Extension offices, a satellite office for the Howard County Economic Development Authority’s agricultural lead, and a satellite office for the Department of Recreation and Parks’ Natural Resources Division. Additional tenants include the Agricultural Land Preservation Program, the Howard County Farm Bureau, and the Maryland Dairy Shrine.
Beyond office space, the center will feature a teaching and demonstration kitchen for agricultural education and local food programming, as well as state‑of‑the‑art meeting rooms for workshops, training sessions, and community events.
Support for new and beginning farmers
Since opening its first Office of Agriculture in western Howard County in 2024, the agency has launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening the local farming sector. In 2026 the county introduced its New & Beginning Farmer Program, which provides up to 16 acres of fenced growing space, including thirty quarter‑acre plots with water access, shared equipment, and a greenhouse. Ten farmers are currently participating, and funding has been approved for a wash/pack station to help producers prepare and store their crops before market.
Immediate assistance for growers
Farmers will not have to wait until the center opens to benefit from county support. Two walk‑in freezers have been installed at West Friendship Park to alleviate storage challenges, and the Roving Radish Program now operates a satellite location with a new walk‑in refrigerator, concrete floor, upgraded electrical service, and new windows.
“HCEDA is proud to join our partners as we break ground on the new Agricultural Center, an investment that strengthens one of Howard County’s most essential sectors,” said Jennifer Jones, president of the Howard County Economic Development Authority.
Honoring a local farming legend
Charles Feaga, the center’s namesake, was a West Friendship farmer who raised dairy and beef cattle and served three terms on the Howard County Council between 1987‑1998 and 2004‑2006. His legacy of public service and dedication to agriculture inspired the decision to locate the hub on land he once called home.
“I just want to thank County Executive Ball and members of the County Council for honoring Charlie, who is a good friend of 30 years,” said Steven Connelly, Maryland’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. “You couldn’t have picked a better location and it’s great when you can have all the services for the farming community in one place.”
The Charles C. Feaga Agricultural Center is expected to become a focal point for training, collaboration, and innovation, reinforcing Howard County’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage while fostering modern, sustainable farming practices.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
