Call for Nominations to the Governor’s Agricultural Hall of Fame; Applications Due Sept. 9

Governor’s Agricultural Hall of Fame 2014 Inductees (L-R) Richard and Jan Edwards, Scott and Jill Youse

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting nominations of farmers and farm families for the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to one of the state’s more important industries. Nominations are due September 9. Those selected for induction will be honored during a Taste of Maryland Agriculture on February 5, 2015.

“Farmers are the solid foundation of our state and a vital part of our future.  They provide the food, fiber, and farmland from which we all benefit,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.  “I encourage all Marylanders to identify the people who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and to nominate them to the Hall of Fame.”

Any farm family that derives its income principally from farming is eligible for the award. The Hall of Fame, established in 1991, includes 45 farm families from 23 counties who have been honored for their high standards of conduct; personal values; contributions to their community; and performance, leadership, innovation, and achievement in agriculture.

Local Extension offices serve as local nominating committee coordinators.  Each local nominating committee is made up of the county extension educator, county farm bureau president, county fair representative, and county soil conservation district chairman. Each committee reviews a pool of candidates from its county and forwards a selection to the Governor’s Selection Committee. Only one farm family per county can be considered.

Applicants MUST work with their county Cooperative Extension Office in preparing the application, which should include as much information about the family as possible and address agricultural leadership, community activities, and technological and management advancements.

The selection committee includes the Dean of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the President of the Maryland Farm Bureau, and members of the agricultural community.   

• Previous Hall of Fame Inductees.
• Hall of Fame Nomination Form
• Hall of Fame Sign-off Sheet

For more information, contact Bettie McCaffrey at 410.841.5782 or Bettie.McCaffrey@maryland.gov or call or your local Extension office.

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