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Resource-Based Industries Since early colonization of the nation, Maryland residents have built and sustained industries using natural resources of the land and water. The value of the Chesapeake Bay, both economically and environmentally, is important to the state, and therefore Maryland encourages business development around companies with a mission that includes environmental stewardship. Resource-based industries including agriculture, energy, forestry, fisheries, recreation, and mining continue to drive an important sector of the economy. Collectively they generated $16 billion in revenue for the state in 2003 (the most recent data available), and provided some 165,500 jobs statewide. With its rolling hills and mountains, forests, streams, lakes, natural harbors, and beautiful coastline-natural assets, Maryland offers a fabulous recreational environment closely linked to direct tourism expenditures and ancillary business revenues. That’s why the state has worked so hard to preserve and protect its natural resources—to ensure that they continue to be enjoyed by future generations. Maryland's Resource-Based Industry group works to:
Maryland 's Resource-Based Industries
Agriculture The farming sector and its related industries accounted for about $5 billion (3%) of the Maryland GSP in 1999, and employed 62,700 people. Subsectors include poultry, greenhouse, nursery, grain, dairy, equine, livestock produce, organic, viticulture, and tobacco, as well as production and processing, farm services, and agri-tourism. These collectively generated over $1.7 billion in cash receipts in 2005. Standards for seed produced in Maryland result in quality crops with high yield for customers around the world. Growers across the state export livestock and genetics renown for quality by breeders. Maryland is positioned to be a world leader in food safety through an initiative announced in 2005 and designed to improve the quality of food entering the United States. The JohnsonDiversey International Food Safety Initiative utilizes the resources of the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN), a cooperative venture between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the University of Maryland. This program will extend the network of food- based enterprise within Maryland, augment established businesses in the sector, and influence food safety globally.
Energy The state is actively encouraging the development of bio-fuels and alternative power production, especially as new processes are identified through the application of research findings and emerging technology. Grains, wood and fiber grown in the state can provide renewable feed stocks. Wind, solar and hydrogen-based energy production are all being advanced in Maryland.
Forestry The forestry and wood products industry in Maryland has a direct output of approximately $2.2 billion and is associated with 13,800 jobs. Timber production , sawmilling, and paper manufacture underpin the backbone of the industry in rural areas. The bulk of the wood industry is concentrated in urban areas with hundreds of small secondary wood manufacturers producing finished products such as cabinets, flooring, furniture and pallets. Demand for Maryland's exceptionally high quality wood products is expanding in the global and domestic marketplace, representing many opportunities for both the primary and secondary manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers, shippers, and traders. Aquaculture and Fisheries The Chesapeake Bay blue crab is renowned worldwide, and crab harvests along with those of oyster, finfish, and clam—as well as their associated product processing activity—comprise Maryland 's fishing industry. Commercial fisheries in Maryland in 2004 had a direct dockside value of $49.5 million—and a market value estimated at more than $80 million.
Aquaculture and emerging marine biotechnology enterprises are taking hold in Maryland as well, and the state is actively helping entrepreneurs in these fields connect with resources in the research and development community to advance their business goals. Maritime & Recreation Maryland is home to a wide variety of maritime companies and training facilities. Between the thousands of miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline and important maritime engineering education centers like the U.S. Naval Academy, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (also known as the Lundberg School of Seamanship), Chesapeake Marine Trades School, Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School, and the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies offers a wealth of resources to tap for all areas of maritime commerce. Recreational boating, fishing, and hunting generate more than $2.3 billion annually for the state economy and provide thousands of full-time jobs to citizens. Visitors from around the world are drawn to enjoy fresh and saltwater fishing as well as hunting for waterfowl and wildlife in season—all also offering associated business development opportunities. Mining 45 to 55 million tons of coal are mined annually in Maryland , with a market value of $350 million to $450 million. Tons of aggregates, including sand and gravel, are mined in the state allowing the construction and paving industries to thrive. Conveniently located rail and water borne transport infrastructure in the state provides options for these natural resource commodities to be moved rapidly and more easily to where they are needed. Contact the MD BizTeam at 410-767-6870 to learn more about Maryland's confidential site selection services for growing businesses.
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