Aspiring farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs in Southern Maryland will soon have a new place to learn the business side of the industry, as the College of Southern Maryland rolls out a training certificate aimed at turning backyard know-how into a viable enterprise.
What the new certificate covers
CSM’s Agribusiness Workforce Training Certificate program begins its first course on August 4. The curriculum spans three courses covering agribusiness management, finance and economics, the region’s agricultural history, and the fundamentals of business planning and entrepreneurship. Coursework is offered online with flexible scheduling, paired with hands-on practicums at local farms so students can apply what they learn in the classroom to real operations.
Who the program is built for
The college designed the certificate for people at any stage of interest in agriculture business, not just those who already run a farm. Instructor Jordan Jones-Cordero said the courses are meant to be a practical entry point, describing them as something that "can be a life raft for people diving headfirst" into agriculture as a business. Students also get paired with experienced business mentors to work through real-world challenges as they build out their plans.
A local farmer’s perspective
Woody DeLauder, owner of Rootbound Farms in La Plata, said the program doesn’t require prior farming expertise to be worthwhile. "You don’t have to have a ‘green thumb,’" DeLauder said, "just try it because that makes our whole neighborhood more sustainable." Mary Goddard, who completed a related vertical agriculture course, said her motivation was personal: "This is something I want to do for me, because it’s something I feel is so important."
Cost and access
Scholarships are available for residents of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, lowering the barrier for tri-county residents who want to pursue the certificate. Prospective students can find class listings and check scholarship eligibility through CSM’s registration portal at csmd.augusoft.net.
Upcoming start date
- First course begins: Tuesday, Aug. 4
- Location: College of Southern Maryland, with practicums at local farms
- Enroll/learn more: csmd.augusoft.net
Related CSM coverage: Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and College of Southern Maryland Foundation Award Scholarships to Local Students.
Reporting based on coverage from The BayNet. Only one source outlet had reported this story at publication time.
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