Growing the Future of Farming: How CSM’s Vertical Agriculture Program Strengthens Southern Maryland’s Agricultural Backbone
- Gilbert "BJ" Bowling
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Agriculture has always been one of the pillars of Southern Maryland’s identity — a source of economic strength, community pride, and generational heritage. But as our region grows and the agricultural industry evolves, we have a responsibility to make sure the next generation has the tools, training, and opportunities they need to succeed.
That’s why I’m proud to support programs that prepare young people and career‑changers for the future of farming. One of the most exciting examples is the vertical agriculture program at the College of Southern Maryland, highlighted recently by the Southern Maryland Chronicle. This initiative is more than a class — it’s a strategic investment in our rural economy, our workforce, and our long‑term food security.
A Program Built for the Future of Agriculture
Beginning March 31 at CSM’s La Plata Campus, the next cohort of students will step into a hands‑on vertical farming lab designed to teach the science, technology, and business behind modern food production. The program is funded by a $490,000 grant from the Tri‑County Council for Southern Maryland, a regional investment that ensures our residents have access to cutting‑edge agricultural training close to home.
Vertical agriculture — growing crops in stacked, soil‑free systems — is one of the fastest‑growing sectors in the industry. It conserves space, reduces water use, and allows year‑round production in controlled environments. For a region like ours, where farmland is precious and development pressures are real, this technology offers a powerful complement to traditional farming.
The course is part of a three‑course series in Vertical Agriculture Systems through CSM’s continuing education program. It builds on the program’s debut in October 2024 and gives students a complete foundation in:
Plant science and crop diagnostics
Hydroponic system operation and maintenance
LED lighting, nutrient management, and environmental controls
Business and production planning
Hands‑on growing inside a 10‑rack Karma Verde Fresh system
Since the program launched, students have already harvested more than 63 pounds of produce — leafy greens, herbs, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, strawberries, and even edible flowers — all distributed to the campus community.
This is real‑world learning with real‑world impact.
Why Vertical Agriculture Matters for Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland’s agricultural community is diverse — from multigenerational family farms to small‑scale growers, specialty producers, and new farmers entering the field. Vertical agriculture doesn’t replace traditional farming; it strengthens it.
Instructor Jordan Jones‑Cordero put it best:
“Vertical agriculture is a lovely additional component to traditional farming… a more resilient agriculture that can reduce strain on the earth.”
Here’s why this matters locally:
1. It expands opportunities for new farmers.
Not everyone has access to large acreage. Vertical systems allow people to start small, learn quickly, and scale responsibly.
2. It supports year‑round production.
In a region with seasonal limitations, controlled‑environment agriculture keeps food growing — and local dollars circulating — all year long.
3. It builds a skilled workforce for a rapidly growing industry.
The North American vertical agriculture market is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2023 to more than $12 billion by 2030. That means jobs, innovation, and new business opportunities — and Southern Maryland should be ready to compete.
4. It strengthens food security.
As land availability tightens and environmental pressures increase, vertical agriculture helps ensure we can produce more food with fewer resources.
Real Students, Real Impact
One of the strengths of this program is its accessibility. Students come from all backgrounds — technology, small‑scale farming, career transitions — and they’re finding new ways to apply their skills.
Abdul Kanu, a cybersecurity graduate, sees clear parallels between tech and agriculture:
“We manage data flow and an ecosystem… diagnosing plants can be the same as diagnosing computers.”
He plans to launch an agriculture business after completing advanced degrees.
Deborah Gray, a small‑scale farmer, enrolled to expand her year‑round production:
“It’s amazing to see the amount of food that can be grown by hydroponics… you can’t get any better than that.”
Students also gain experience through partnerships with local sustainable farms, connecting classroom learning to real agricultural careers here in Southern Maryland.
A Regional Investment With Regional Benefits
This program is possible because of the partnership between the College of Southern Maryland and the Tri‑County Council for Southern Maryland, which provided the grant funding to build and expand the vertical agriculture lab. It’s a model of how regional collaboration can deliver real, tangible benefits for our residents.
As Commissioner, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to invest in agricultural infrastructure and workforce development. Programs like this help us:
Support young farmers
Strengthen our rural economy
Encourage innovation
Keep agriculture thriving for generations to come
This is the kind of forward‑looking investment that ensures Southern Maryland remains a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Looking Ahead
The March 31 cohort continues the program’s progression — from foundational learning to hands‑on growing to fieldwork. It offers an accessible entry point into a sector that is reshaping how communities grow food in the face of space constraints and environmental challenges.
Southern Maryland’s agricultural roots run deep. By embracing innovation and preparing our workforce for the future, we’re not just preserving that heritage — we’re strengthening it.
This is how we keep agriculture strong.
This is how we build opportunity.
This is how we grow the next generation of Southern Maryland farmers.
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