County unveils 'Maryland’s Agricost' brand to promote local agriculture, seafood and forestry

St. Mary's County Economic Development on Tuesday unveiled a new brand identity created for local agriculture, seafood and forestry producers called “Maryland’s Agricost.” Director Chris Casalemas and staff described the brand as a marketing tool for the county’s working landscapes and waterways and said it grew from stakeholder input during a 2022 strategic‑plan process and a February 2025 steering‑committee review.

The presentation described brand elements for agriculture (grains, livestock, vegetables, value‑added foods and beverages), seafood (aquaculture, crabs, oysters, fish) and forestry products. The design and name were produced by the consulting firm Arnett Muldrow, which the county contracted to work with stakeholders and create drafts for review.

Casalemas said the county will make digital image assets available to eligible producers via a county-managed repository; producers will be able to add the logo to products and promotional materials if the items are produced in St. Mary's County. He said funding for broad merchandise production (bags, water bottles, etc.) was not approved in the current county budget, so initial implementation will rely on social media and limited giveaways; staff plan to pursue additional funding in future budget cycles.

Commissioners asked how use would be managed and whether producers outside the county could apply the logo. Economic Development staff said producers will request access to a county Dropbox-style repository of approved image files and that usage will be limited to products grown, harvested or produced in St. Mary's County.

Staff also demonstrated sample mock-ups of the logo on product packaging and noted the brand resonated with a recent visit by Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. The county said next steps include outreach to producers and encouraging local restaurants and markets to identify county-produced goods.