Maryland Food Licensing Streamlined for Farms

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Published February 4th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Maryland has introduced new legislation to streamline food licensing for farms, allowing for expanded on-farm food service operations. This initiative aims to strengthen the state's agricultural economy by providing a clearer, more scalable regulatory framework for farmers.

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What changed

The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture and the Environment, has proposed new legislation designed to simplify food licensing for farms wishing to conduct on-farm food service operations. This bill aims to replace the current system of multiple, short-term licenses (30-day temporary and 90-day on-farm retail) with a single, renewable 1-year food service license. This change is intended to provide a predictable and scalable regulatory framework, enabling farms of all sizes to add or expand food service offerings, thereby generating economic benefits and adding value to their operations.

The practical implications for agricultural firms in Maryland involve a potentially less burdensome licensing process for food service activities. If adopted, new regulations will be developed in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, addressing specific operational requirements such as water management and food preparation. Farms should monitor the legislative process and be prepared to adapt their operations and licensing applications to comply with the new framework once enacted. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned, the legislation builds upon a recent executive order aimed at expanding economic opportunities for farmers.

What to do next

Monitor legislative progress of the proposed food licensing bill.
Review potential new operational requirements for on-farm food service once regulations are developed.
Prepare to adapt licensing strategies for on-farm food service operations if the bill is adopted.

Source document (simplified)

February 4, 2026

Media Contact:
Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, MDH.Press@maryland.gov

New legislation streamlines food licensing and regulations for Maryland farms, strengthens Ag economy

Baltimore, MD - New legislation proposed by the Maryland Department of Health, in coordination with the state Departments of Agriculture and the Environment, would allow farms to expand on-farm food service operations, generating economic benefit and bringing additional value to the communities they serve.

This effort builds on Governor Moore’s 2025 Executive Order to promote the state’s agricultural economy and expand economic opportunities for Maryland’s farmers. The EO also expanded the Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture, to enhance the economic viability, growth, and profitability of Maryland’s agriculture industry through increased collaboration and promoting more business-friendly practices.

“Maryland's farmers are the backbone of our communities and economy and provide incredible value to our state,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “This bill supports our robust agricultural sector, gives it additional tools to flex and grow from season to season, and maintains important public health protections to keep our communities healthy.”

The bill streamlines the food licensing process for farms that wish to conduct certain food service throughout multiple seasons. A new, renewable 1-year food service license would prevent farms from having to apply and reapply over the course of a year for either the current 30-day temporary license, which is related to an event, or the current on-farm retail food service license, which is limited to a maximum of 90 days.
The bill also creates a legal and regulatory framework to help provide predictable, scalable requirements for on-farm food service that will help agricultural facilities of any size to add or expand food service as part of their business, adding value to their operations and helping to grow agriculture in the state.

“As Maryland farmers continue to innovate and evolve their agribusinesses to welcome the public onto the farm to enjoy the best of what Maryland has to offer, it is critical that they have a clear path to grow their operations,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Through interagency collaboration on the Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture (GICA), Maryland state agencies are taking the necessary steps to support a competitive agricultural business marketplace and prioritize scalability for business growth.”

If the bill is adopted, new regulations developed in consultation with the Maryland Department of Agriculture will address issues like requirements for running water and wastewater management, outdoor cooking and food preparation, use of on-farm structures, and other issues that are specific to on-farm food service. They will take into account farm size, food service plans, and other factors to help farms provide food service suited to their situation.

“Agritourism opens the door for more Marylanders to experience our working lands firsthand,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “The more the public connects with our local farms, the deeper their appreciation grows for clean land, air, and water. This legislation encourages sustainable growth and fosters a shared commitment to protecting the natural resources we deeply cherish.”

To further strengthen a farm’s ability to provide food service operations, the bill also expands the ability of a farm to offer temporary restroom facilities by expanding the types of restrooms allowed for on-farm food service facilities.

In order to ensure a smooth transition, the bill maintains the current on-farm license until the effective date of January 2027, to allow for the regulations development process. Regulations related to this bill will be informed by a transparent process including significant stakeholder input and public meetings with local governments and community partners, the business community, and more across the State.

The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.

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