Statement from Secretary Joe Bartenfelder on Maintaining Food Supply Chain During State of Emergency

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In response to the State of Maryland’s continuing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Joe Bartenfelder has issued the following statement regarding the state’s food supply chain:

“Agriculture and food production are essential industries that provide food and fiber for all and play a critical role in the state’s economy. As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, I want to assure all of our farmers, watermen, producers, agribusinesses, wholesalers, distributors, consumers and the many other members of Maryland’s food supply chain that the state is working hard to continue business as usual with minimal interruptions.

“We are in uncharted territory that may require some creativity and flexibility, but that is nothing new for Maryland farmers and growers. I am confident that our department, the agriculture community and allied industries will continue working together to overcome any obstacles we may face as we head toward planting season.”

For specific questions related to MDA’s response to COVID-19, please contact mda.news@maryland.gov. For more information on statewide actions, please visit governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus/

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