Dr. Jo Mercer Appointed Manager of Nutrient Management Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 8, 2011) – Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance today announced the appointment of Jo Mercer, EdD,  as manager of the Nutrient Management Program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Office of Resource Conservation. Dr. Mercer fills the position left vacant last year when Fred Samadani, the program’s former manager, retired following 21 years of service to MDA.

“We are pleased to have Jo at the helm of our Nutrient Management Program,” said Secretary Hance.  “Based on her years of experience, Jo understands the special challenges facing Maryland farmers as they work to protect natural resources while maintaining profitable farms. As we expand the nutrient management program to more fully include urban stakeholders, she is a natural choice to guide the effort.”

In her new position as program manager, Dr. Mercer will be responsible for the oversight of six regional field offices, with 13 technical and support staff charged with implementing the certification, inspection and enforcement provisions of Maryland’s nutrient management law.

Mercer joined MDA’s Nutrient Management Program in 2007 as education and outreach coordinator.  Under her guidance, the program expanded its educational offerings for the equine and green industries while expanding and improving working partnerships with the region’s numerous research, education and industry organizations.  In addition, Mercer was instrumental in bringing internet-based education programs and webinars to MDA.  Before joining MDA, Mercer spent nearly 25 years in Extension work, mostly with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension as an ornamental horticulture agent.  She has extensive experience and training in both environmental sciences and adult education.  Mercer received BA and MS degrees from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Delaware.

In commenting on the recently passed Fertilizer Use Act of 2011 and its implications for the green industry, retailers and homeowners, Mercer said, “This enormous new audience requires us to be even more creative in how we use our resources to efficiently inform the public and enforce the laws designed to protect water quality in both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. I am looking forward to working with other MDA sections, the University of Maryland, and our community partners.”

Editor’s Note: Photo available upon request.