Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive, and the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) have recently opened up a call for proposals. They are seeking qualified consultants to undertake a comprehensive economic and market study, along with a feasibility assessment, for establishing a Regional Agricultural Center (RAC) in Southern Maryland. This initiative would make use of the Lothian Grain Elevator site, as outlined in an announcement yesterday. Those interested have until August 25 to submit their proposals.
Facilities for processing, packaging, and distributing agricultural products efficiently and profitably are in demand, said Pittman, offering support to local farmers. Aiming to add muscle to Maryland's agriculture and benefit local communities with nutritious food, the proposed RAC has a variety of intended functions, including USDA-inspected meat processing and commercial kitchen spaces. Currently, the lack of proximal processing facilities forces local livestock producers to travel long distances, which constrains production and sales capacity.
The feasibility study for the RAC will occur in two distinct phases. According to the same announcement, the first phase will focus on market and demand, capturing input from regional farmers and stakeholders extensively. Should the initial findings be favorable, the second phase will tackle the nitty-gritty: facility design, operational models, as well as budgeting and implementation strategy crafting.
"The exploration of a Regional Agriculture Center in Anne Arundel County for Southern Maryland is a vital step," noted Shelley Garrett, Agriculture Business Development Director at the AAEDC. She expressed hope that the project will provide clear guidance on the potential to foster new markets, enhance regional food security, and, above all, ensure agriculture’s longevity, not just locally but across Maryland. Anne Arundel County acquired the grain elevator from Purdue in 2023, sparking a gradual shift among the region’s farmers away from grain and necessitating alternate solutions for transport and storage.
The RFP outlines specific criteria for applicants, including proven expertise in conducting agricultural or food systems market studies, proficiency with USDA guidelines and meat processing establishment standards, a record of successful stakeholder engagement, and the ability to facilitate and strategize implementation and operational plans. Details for proposal submission and further instructions are laid out in the RFP, accessible for perusal at the Anne Arundel County website.
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