Challenges and Opportunities Awaiting Maryland Farmers in 2017

Published in the November 26, 2016 issue of Lancaster Farming

Maryland’s 12,300 farms are the backbone of our rural economies that work every day to provide the food and fiber needs of our state and nation – even the world. The most important challenge Maryland agriculture will face in 2017 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. A recent University of Maryland study showed the impact of agriculture on Maryland’s economy amounts to $8.25 billion annually and 45,600 jobs – and that doesn’t even include equines.

Bay Restoration Progress

We are pleased that the EPA recognizes the significant progress that has been made already and that Maryland agriculture is on track to meet its 2017 goals. Maryland farmers continue to plant record cover crop acreage, which is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep nitrogen out of ground water and the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, the State invested $31.2 million in grants last year for farmers to install 2,440 conservation projects that control soil erosion, reduce nutrient runoff and protect water quality in streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

Governor Larry Hogan’s Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative has also been instrumental in helping farmers reduce agricultural phosphorus and improve water quality. Last year alone, Maryland farmers moved 167,237 tons of manure away from farm fields with high soil phosphorus levels—a 40 percent increase over last year’s transport figures. And since 2014, the State has issued $5.4 million in grants through the Animal Waste Technology Fund to support new on-farm manure management technologies.

Maryland’s Best FRESH, LOCAL 

From in-store promotions of Maryland-grown apples and watermelons, to advertising, media events and press releases, the department’s marketing projects continued to build demand for local products and connect farmers with consumers via our Maryland’s Best program. This state agriculture branding campaign emphasizes “Fresh, Local” and develops advertising designed to drive consumers to www.MarylandsBest.net to find local farms.

The program recently expanded to promote the Homegrown By Heroes program. In an effort to support Maryland veterans who have returned home to the farm, the program will provide unique signage to identify and promote products at farmers’ markets and local groceries grown by local veterans.

Our farmers are positioned in the Mid-Atlantic to have a unique marketplace.  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.

We are working to help farmers diversify their businesses and to capitalize on expanding marketing opportunities arising from the growing consumer demand for local agricultural products and desire to better understand where their food comes from. This includes our Farm to School program, the Maryland Ice Cream Trail, our recent restaurant promotion, and more.

Our farmers are moving fruits and vegetables – locally and wholesale, in addition to a variety of value-added products. Plus the majority of the grain grown in Maryland is the primary food source for our number one agricultural sector – the poultry industry.

Maryland Farm & Harvest

Season four of “Maryland Farm & Harvest,” which puts a human face on Maryland agriculture, debuts on Nov. 15. For the past six months Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) production team has filmed at more than four dozen farms and agriculture facilities across the state in preparation for the new 13-episode season.

We are very pleased that this is MPT’s highest rated, locally produced show – with approximately 4 million viewers since the series launched in fall 2013 (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). We appreciate the generous support of all the program sponsors that make this series possible.

Working with Elected Officials

As a former county and state elected official for nearly 30 years, I know first-hand how important it is for officials to understand the real-life impact of laws and regulations. Last month we hosted members of the House Environment and Transportation committee and the Senate Health Environment and Education committee, legislative staff, local elected officials, and other industry leaders to tour three mid-shore farming operations that highlighted poultry, grain, value-added agriculture, winery and ag-tourism.

At the Maryland State Fair, we hosted a breakfast and tour of the fairgrounds and had a positive response from more than a dozen officials who participated. Once the 2017 General Assembly is underway, we will invite legislators to tour the department, see our labs and hear from our employees about the work they do to protect consumers and the environment and to promote agriculture. We will continue working with elected officials, policy makers and the general public to ensure they know about the importance of Maryland agriculture to our quality of life and overall economy.

Looking Ahead

The year ahead will continue to bring more opportunities for Maryland agriculture, and I look forward to continuing to serve Marylanders.