$11M Committed To Maryland Wholesale Produce Market Revitalization Project

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup will undergo an overhaul thanks to an $11 million commitment from both Howard County and the state.

"This facility is truly a one-of-a-kind asset for our entire region, with more than 330,000 square feet of terminal space used to distribute an enormous volume of produce daily. At any time, virtually any type of produce grown in the United States, locally and around the world is available in this global market. This decades-old operation will now be modernized to expand critical refrigeration capacity and allow for an enclosed expansion of the Market’s back dock," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said.

Ball included $1 million in his proposed fiscal year 2023 budget, which was passed by the County Council, to support the redevelopment of the produce market, supplemented by $10 million in state funding.

The Wholesale Produce Market employs more than 3,000 Marylanders and houses 43 tenants.

"The upgrades to this facility will ensure the continued successful operations of this center. The many challenges of COVID-19 have highlighted the need for this distribution hub, connecting the Maryland farm community with restaurants, grocery stores and so much more. The state's investment will strengthen this link in the food supply chain for years to come," Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Joe Bartenfelder said.