Maryland officials announced proposed legislation that would allow farms to expand on-site food service operations, with the goal of supporting agricultural businesses and local economies.
The proposal, developed by the Maryland Department of Health in coordination with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of the Environment, builds on a 2025 executive order by Wes Moore aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural economy. The bill would create a new one-year renewable food service license, replacing shorter-term permits that currently require farms to reapply multiple times each year.
Under the proposal, state agencies would develop new regulations addressing issues such as water access, wastewater management, food preparation, and restroom facilities, while considering farm size and operational needs. Supporters say the framework would provide clearer and more consistent standards for farms interested in adding or expanding food service as part of agritourism and business development. The bill would keep existing licenses in place until January 2027 to allow time for rulemaking and public input through stakeholder meetings and consultations.
