About the Maryland Department of Agriculture
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is a unit of Maryland State government formed in 1972 to represent agriculture's growing importance and impact to the economy of the state.
Vision & mission
Vision
Achieving excellence in programs and services that preserve and protect agricultural resources and the environment, promote profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders.
Mission
Providing leadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and promote agriculture.
Departments & programs
MDA programs are a combination of regulatory, consumer facing, and educational or promotional in scope. All are intended to provide the maximum protection possible for the consumer, protect the environment and promote the economic well-being of farmers, food and fiber processors and businesses engaged in agricultural related operations.
Learn more about our departments.
Staff
Learn about the people who work at the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the history of the agency's leadership.
Location & facilities
Department headquarters are located at 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis, Maryland and branch offices are throughout the state to serve local needs.
Find an MDA branch office or other location.
MDA Annual Reports
History
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has been serving the agriculture community and the people of Maryland since 1973. While the department's look has changed over the years, the mission and vision has remained steadfast: to protect consumers, preserve the environment, and promote Maryland agriculture.
Establishing the MDA
Prior to 1973, agricultural interests were served by the University of Maryland at College Park. The Maryland General Assembly established the department after recognizing that a separate agency was needed to serve this critical industry that is as diverse as the state and second to none in its importance to the state’s economy, environment, food supply and quality of life. The new agency took on regulatory and advisory functions while agricultural research and extension service functions remained at College Park as they do today.
Building our headquarters
Get a glimpse of the past and the vision that led to the establishment of the MDA headquarters. We hope these photos inspire you as much as they reflect the foundation of our commitment to supporting farmers and promoting agriculture in our great state.
