As an historically black land grant institution with a long tradition of agricultural research, UMES is at the forefront of third-world agricultural development. We’re sought after to provide advice, expertise, and assistance to developing countries whose economies depend heavily on small farms. UMES works in several African countries to develop concepts of sustainable agriculture and train societies to become familiar with modern agricultural methods. 

Locally, several UMES institutes, centers and programs integrate that same knowledge and expertise into innovative business incubator programs. A new local grower network based on hydroponic greenhouse technology is being developed by the Small Farm Institute (SFI), the Rural Development Center (RDC) and private companies and farmers. This public-private partnership will comprise over 50 acres of network greenhouses. They will be electronically linked by computer and telecommunications to constantly monitor the growing environment insuring a premium product at a reasonable cost. UMES will help create new jobs locally and share expertise globally via educational outreach. This is but one of several internationally-recognized academic and research areas where we serve the local economy. 

Through the Rural Development Center at UMES, we have a special opportunity to serve Maryland’s Eastern Shore and have developed several programs to do so: 

• A revolving loan fund provides working capital to new and existing businesses. 
• Grant and report preparation assistance helps companies, agencies and organizations on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland to apply for funding, develop marketing and business plans, and study the impact of new technologies and services on the environment, economy and culture of the area.
• Product marketing supports local businesses and assists regional economic development. The Rural Development Center helps companies and business associations market their products locally, nationally and internationally.
• The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee, with the RDC, has described a range of resources in the region and created a conservation development plan organized by ten categories of actions. These initiatives led to the State of Maryland designating special heritage areas throughout the State.
• Special project grants are made to businesses and organizations on the Lower Eastern Shore. The funds support business startup, expansion and conversion. The RDC also provides technical assistance to private firms, public agencies and non-profit groups. These funds help local organizations carry out special projects that benefit the economy and maintain a special quality of life. Public agencies receive funding for economic development projects.
• Applied social and economic science dominates the research and technical assistance work of the RDC. The Center maintains close ties to higher education institutions, private and public non-profit organizations, and local leadership to address the complex economic trends facing the Eastern Shore. The RDC provides technical assistance to businesses and organizations, including hosting and sponsoring workshops & conferences, presenting business and financial technical information to business startup and expansion projects, and funding pilot projects to assess the impact of new technologies on regional, economic and cultural development.
• A monthly newsletter for the Economic Development Community on Maryland's Eastern Shore provides information about local, national and global economic and development trends. They are distributed via the World Wide Web.

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