Officials: Maryland needs more aggregation and processing capacity to help small farms sell locally

County committee members and state officials described a shortage of large‑scale processing and aggregation facilities that limits market access for small and mid‑sized farms. Martin Prew said the state has been examining aggregation and commissary models and that the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council has identified regulatory barriers and cold‑storage gaps as obstacles to scaling processors. "Regulatory barriers to small and beginning farmers was one of the recognized challenges," Prew said, adding that conversations are ongoing to identify resources and sites for necessary facilities.

Councilmembers also referenced recent procurement efforts, including a state initiative aiming to increase local sourcing in institutional purchases. Prew noted the "certified local farm and fish program" as a mechanism to register producers for institutional procurement and said schools and other buyers are exploring software and procurement programs to connect suppliers with institutions. Council questions focused on how Montgomery County can adapt or pilot local procurement and aggregation solutions.