{"id":8658,"date":"2026-07-28T11:17:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T15:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/?page_id=8658"},"modified":"2026-07-28T11:44:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T15:44:08","slug":"agribusiness-economic-development-and-value-added-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/agribusiness-economic-development-and-value-added-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"Agribusiness, Economic Development and Value-added Agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\n<style>\n.rounded-style img{\n  border-radius: 15%;\n}\n<\/style>\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\" style=\"min-height:272px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"160\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-8655 size-large\" alt=\"Hazel Hall at University of Maryland Eastern Shore.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-HazelHall-091324-9513-1024x160.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-10 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#69685e\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Agribusiness, Economic Development and Value-added Agriculture<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Agribusiness, Economic Development and Value-added&nbsp;Agriculture program&nbsp;at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Extension focuses&nbsp;on&nbsp;a wide range of industries, including agriculture,&nbsp;that underpin Maryland\u2019s economy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;program\u2019s&nbsp;goal&nbsp;is&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;profitability;&nbsp;stimulating&nbsp;production, distribution and consumption of goods and services;&nbsp;and&nbsp;bettering&nbsp;the livelihoods of Maryland&nbsp;residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grounded in the&nbsp;university\u2019s land\u2011grant&nbsp;mission, the program integrates applied research, extension education and outreach to enhance farm and agribusiness profitability, support sound decision\u2011making and promote economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The program seeks to advance effective agribusiness management, workforce development, agricultural policy awareness and natural resource stewardship to improve livelihoods at the local, regional and state levels.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What We Do<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image rounded-style\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"247\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-nazia-arbab-110224-4152-300x247.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Nazia Arbab speaks at the 21st Small Farm Conference.\" class=\"wp-image-8656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-nazia-arbab-110224-4152-300x247.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-nazia-arbab-110224-4152-1024x843.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-nazia-arbab-110224-4152-768x633.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-nazia-arbab-110224-4152-1536x1265.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-nazia-arbab-110224-4152-2048x1687.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dr. Nazia Arbab<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Agribusiness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UMES Extension experts work with towns and cities, along with stakeholders to promote effective agribusiness practices, including business planning,&nbsp;financial management, marketing, risk management and labor relations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through&nbsp;data\u2011driven&nbsp;analysis and applied research, we&nbsp;assist&nbsp;farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in developing sound business strategies through informed decisions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Faculty\u2011led&nbsp;Extension efforts include targeted educational programming including statewide training for farm labor supervisors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the program conducts applied research and education in priority areas for Maryland such as natural resource management, agricultural policy, agricultural marketing systems and commodity markets, advancing practical solutions that support&nbsp;rural&nbsp;enterprises in competitive markets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Economic Development<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image rounded-style\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"715\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-AlleyCropping-080425-4472-1024x715.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Lila Karki speaks at a field demonstration.\" class=\"wp-image-8657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-AlleyCropping-080425-4472-1024x715.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-AlleyCropping-080425-4472-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-AlleyCropping-080425-4472-768x536.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-AlleyCropping-080425-4472-1536x1073.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-AlleyCropping-080425-4472-2048x1430.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dr. Lila Karki speaks at a UMES Extension field demonstration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agriculture is Maryland\u2019s largest commercial industry. It employs about 350,000 people, including nearly 6,000 full-time farmers, and contributes more than $8 billion annually to the economy, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmsa.maryland.gov%2Fmsa%2Fmdmanual%2F01glance%2Fhtml%2Fagri.html&amp;data=05%7C02%7CKDDesai%40umes.edu%7C24bf26dbdd814a3c07ef08dec8b511fc%7Cf3b74c6baf13485097f02e97a8a9b7d7%7C0%7C0%7C639168877179957820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=T%2BQxyszHMoXG9rWBQOLk32pqdmAW7z1cMfHf%2F%2FXegRI%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Maryland Manual<\/a>. Agriculture also is the largest single land-use in the state, with about 2 million acres of total land-area used for farming in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Farmers in Maryland,&nbsp;especially small-scale and poultry&nbsp;producers,&nbsp;face a range of economic challenges including fluctuating costs, limited market access, price volatility, labor constraints, and increasing weather&nbsp;and environmental risks. Many need&nbsp;support&nbsp;navigating regulations, accessing financing and&nbsp;identifying&nbsp;opportunities to vary income.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through education, outreach and hands-on engagement, UMES Extension helps farmers:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identify&nbsp;and access new markets, including value-added and direct-to-consumer opportunities&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve financial planning, cost management and business strategies&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Navigate policy, regulatory and funding opportunities&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore growth options such as agritourism or alternative enterprises&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Value-added Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Maryland,&nbsp;\u201cvalue-added agriculture\u201d&nbsp;is defined by law as&nbsp;\u201cthe alteration or enhancement of a raw agricultural product, including livestock, or an agricultural service in a way that increases the product or service\u2019s worth to a consumer and brings more revenue to a farmer, producer or processor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This sector supports close to 74,000 jobs and delivers a total economic impact of more than $20.6 billion annually, according to a February 2020 economic analysis of Maryland&#8217;s value-added agricultural industry cited by the state\u2019s Department of Agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Value addition involves turning crops into specialty food products such as jams, juices, etc. or niche products such as oils, tinctures or soaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agritourism is a\u00a0growing trend as farm operators seek ways to improve their income sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UMES Extension experts offer&nbsp;educational and networking opportunities through workshops, conferences,&nbsp;webinars, interactive sessions,&nbsp;networking, fact sheets and published guides, field demonstrations,&nbsp;one-on-one business mentorships, beginning farmer agribusiness coaching programs&nbsp;and more to get producers started on their value-addition journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our&nbsp;Outreach&nbsp;Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Heirs\u2019&nbsp;property:<\/strong>&nbsp;As property is passed down from one family member to the next generation,&nbsp;some&nbsp;inherited properties are left without clear legal ownership. Often this is due to lacking a will, which leaves the property equally to all descendants who might not agree on selling or developing it. Dr. Lila Karki, paired with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/agriculture-law-education-initiative\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/agriculture-law-education-initiative\/\">ALEI<\/a>\u2019s&nbsp;Nicole Cook, environmental and agricultural faculty legal specialist&nbsp;at UMES, are pushing for a greater understanding of the legal ins and outs of heirs\u2019 property and what you can do to prevent ending up in this situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Agritourism:<\/strong>&nbsp;As small-scale farmers seek alternative revenue streams, Dr. Prem Bhandari brings evidence-based insight and with real-world examples of how interactive, on-farm activities for the public can become a value-addition&nbsp;for an agribusiness. From education to recreation, these opportunities have a wide range that can scale to fit your family farm.&nbsp;Visit the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/community\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/community\/\">Agritourism<\/a> page&nbsp;for more information and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/community\/maryland-agritourism-interactive-map\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/community\/maryland-agritourism-interactive-map\/\">interactive Maryland agritourism map<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/community\/agritourism-conference\/\">Maryland agritourism conferfence<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/small-farms-program\/events\/\">events<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/house-elevation-resources-somerset-county-maryland\/\">House Elevation Resources: Somerset County, Maryland<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/alley-cropping-for-extreme-weather-variability-what-to-know\/\">Alley Cropping for Extreme Weather Variability: What to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/agritourism-in-maryland-what-to-know\/\">Agritourism in Maryland: What to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/agritourism-in-maryland-the-challenges\/\">Agritourism in Maryland: The Challenges<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8aa3364d wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:2.5rem;padding-right:2.5rem;padding-bottom:2.5rem;padding-left:2.5rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rounded-style\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Lila-Karki-gray-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Lila Karki\" class=\"wp-image-8685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Lila-Karki-gray-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Lila-Karki-gray-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Lila-Karki-gray-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Lila-Karki-gray-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Lila-Karki-gray-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Lila-Karki-gray-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/sans\/lila-b-karki\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/sans\/lila-b-karki\/\">Dr. Lila B. Karki<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extension Program Evaluation Specialist<br>Associate Professor of Agriculture Economics<br>Phone: 410-651-6693<br>Email: <a href=\"mailto:lkarki@umes.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lkarki@umes.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8aa3364d wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:2.5rem;padding-right:2.5rem;padding-bottom:2.5rem;padding-left:2.5rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rounded-style\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Nazia-Arbab-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Nazia Arbab\" class=\"wp-image-8686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Nazia-Arbab-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Nazia-Arbab-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Nazia-Arbab-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Nazia-Arbab-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/Nazia-Arbab.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/sans\/nazia-arbab\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/sans\/nazia-arbab\/\">Dr. Nazia Arbab<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assistant Professor &amp; Agribusiness\/Resource Economist Specialist<br>Phone: 410-651-8353<br>Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:NNArbab@umes.edu\">NNArbab@umes.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8aa3364d wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:2.5rem;padding-right:2.5rem;padding-bottom:2.5rem;padding-left:2.5rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rounded-style\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-PremBhandari-020323-34811-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Prem Bhandari\" class=\"wp-image-8687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-PremBhandari-020323-34811-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-PremBhandari-020323-34811-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-PremBhandari-020323-34811-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-PremBhandari-020323-34811-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-PremBhandari-020323-34811-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2026\/06\/TGD-PremBhandari-020323-34811-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/sans\/prem-bhandari\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/sans\/prem-bhandari\/\">Dr. Prem Bhandari<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agritourism and Value-added Agricultural Marketing Specialist<br>Phone: 410-651-7974<br>Email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:lkarki@umes.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pbbhandari@umes.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Agribusiness, Economic Development and Value-added&nbsp;Agriculture program&nbsp;at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Extension focuses&nbsp;on&nbsp;a wide range of industries, including agriculture,&nbsp;that underpin Maryland\u2019s economy.&nbsp; The&nbsp;program\u2019s&nbsp;goal&nbsp;is&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;profitability;&nbsp;stimulating&nbsp;production, distribution and consumption of goods and services;&nbsp;and&nbsp;bettering&nbsp;the livelihoods of Maryland&nbsp;residents.&nbsp;&nbsp; Grounded in the&nbsp;university\u2019s land\u2011grant&nbsp;mission, the program integrates applied research, extension education and outreach to enhance farm and agribusiness profitability,&#8230;<span class=\"cpschool-read-more-link-holder\"><a class=\"btn btn-basic cpschool-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/agribusiness-economic-development-and-value-added-agriculture\/\">Read more <span class=\"sr-only\">Agribusiness, Economic Development and Value-added Agriculture<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2245,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"folder":[],"class_list":["post-8658","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8658","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8658"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8658\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8658"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=8658"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}