Challenges and Opportunities Awaiting Maryland Farmers in 2016

By Secretary Joe Bartenfelder

Published November 17, 2015 in the Delmarva Farmer Ag Decisions Supplement

Maryland’s 12,300 farms are the backbone of our local rural economies that work every day to provide the food and fiber needs of our state and nation – even the world.

In Maryland, we are fortunate to have Governor Larry Hogan who is dedicated and determined to serve agriculture and who understands that farmers were the original environmentalists and stewards of the land, and we will continue to be.

The most important challenge Maryland agriculture will face in 2016 is helping our elected officials and the general public understand the environmental stewardship efforts of our farmers and progress made to date to preserve our precious natural resources. We also must help them better understand the importance of Maryland agriculture to our quality of life and the overall economy.

With the General Assembly Session right around the corner, state legislators are sure to get an earful from many sources about a wide range of issues. I want to make sure that when bills that impact farmers and the agricultural sector are introduced, our lawmakers understand what the impact will be, as well as the impact that regulations, good and bad, are having on farming operations.

Another challenge we face in 2016 is the need to maintain a high level of biosecurity to protect our poultry and livestock from potentially catastrophic diseases like High Path Avian Influenza. All growers must ensure they are using the most stringent biosecurity measures possible to protect their birds. Foreign animal diseases can show up in poultry or livestock at any point in time, anywhere in our state. All growers and producers must be vigilant and cannot afford to take any risks. We have to do all that we can to keep diseases out of our poultry and livestock and maintain a safe and healthy industry in our state.

Maryland’s unique proximity to urban and suburban population centers provides tremendous opportunities for farmers who want to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for local agricultural products and desire to better understand where their food comes from.

The department continues to work with farmers across the state to strengthen the agricultural community and support farmers who are diversifying their farms to create new opportunities for future generations. We are seeing growth in agritourism operations, as well as wineries, microbreweries, and value-added products.

Additionally, there is a tremendous marketing opportunity for Maryland farmers interested in transitioning from conventional to organic agriculture. Following a national trend, there is a growing consumer demand for organically grown food, and supply is not currently meeting that demand. The opportunity is not limited to just fruit and vegetable growers; the organic market includes poultry, grain, beef, swine, eggs and more.

We have large population centers in Maryland whose residents, businesses and institutions are willing, able and happy to pay a premium for safe, fresh, delicious, locally produced food. This is a great opportunity that farmers, large and small, should take advantage.

People across the state are sincerely interested in farm life. Season three of “Maryland Farm & Harvest,” which puts a face on the family farm, debuted on Nov. 10. We are very pleased that this is Maryland Public Television’s highest rated, locally produced show – with nearly 2 million viewers since the series first aired (not including on demand or online views). New episodes will continue to air Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and repeat Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 a.m. All episodes can be viewed online after they air at: www.mpt.org/farm)