Maryland's Century Farms

About the Century Farm Program

Maryland's Century Farm Program was established in 1994 by former Governor William Donald Schaefer with assistance from the Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Lewis Riley. The purpose of the program is to honor families whose farms have been in the same family for at least 100 years and continue to be productive. 

How to apply for Century Farm recognition

1. Review eligibility criteria
   1. The farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years to the date of the application; the farm must be lived on, or actually farmed by, a descendent of the original owner.
   2. The farm must consist of at least 10 acres of the original holding, and gross over $2,500 annually form the sale of farm products.
   3. You are able to submit legal descriptions, found in deeds, abstracts or tax statements, which indicate consecutive ownership.
2. Complete and submit an application. A family my apply at any time throughout the year.
3. The Century Farm Committee will review all the applications and approve eligible entries. The Secretary of Agriculture will certify approved applications, and recognize families annually. Application will be held at the Maryland Department of Agriculture for future research.

Maryland's Century Farms

Century Farm honorees have played a significant role in making agriculture the leading industry in Maryland, since they, along with all of Maryland's farmers, continue to be the backbone of the state's economy. By maintaining economically viable agriculture, Century farmers are also preserving productive farmland and the environment as true stewards of the land, one generation after another.  The impact of their legacy is dramatic.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is grateful to them and is also committed to working with the entire farm community to maintain viable food and fiber industries for Maryland's future.