The Grow & Fortify 2018 event focused on supporting and promoting Maryland’s value-added agricultural producers, growers, agritourism operations and small food businesses. Presented by Grow & Fortify, Rural Maryland Council and MidAtlantic Farm Credit, the focus for 2018 was Innovation, Emerging and Potential Markets and Sales and Distribution Channels. We also included AgPitch — a Shark Tank-style business competition, sponsored by MidAtlantic Farm Credit, for entrepreneurs to present their agriculture business ideas before an audience to compete for cash and related business services.
In addition, we held a Rapid Fire Panel, a fun and exciting way to demonstrate the diversity of Maryland’s value-added agriculture industry. Grow & Fortify hosted a dozen people from within the industry, each giving a short 4-min presentation on their business. This informative overview was followed by a moderated question and answer session.