MDA Blog

February 25, 2015

A Changing Maryland

Secretary Joe Bartenfelder

By Secretary Joe Bartenfelder

Greetings! It is my pleasure and honor to serve my fellow farmers under Governor Larry Hogan and Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. I look forward to visiting with Maryland’s agriculture community as I travel across our great state to see first-hand the diversity and strength of our leading industry.

For those I have not yet met, I’d like to introduce myself. I am a fifth generation farmer. The Bartenfelders started farming in Baltimore County in the 1840s. My great-grandfather purchased the homestead farm in 1903 in what is now the Nottingham/White Marsh area. We have been farming in Caroline County since 1997 and expanded into Dorchester County in 2011. I grew up on a farm and for more than 35 years, I have been a full-time farmer and small businessman. My family primarily grows vegetables that we sell wholesale and at the Baltimore City Farmers’ Market. We also have two broiler houses and grow wheat, soybeans, and corn.

In addition to farming, I have spent nearly 30 years in elected office. From 1983 to 1994, I served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 8 (Baltimore County). Then, from 1994 to 2010, I served as a member of the Baltimore County Council (chair, 1997, 2000, 2005, 2009).

Today, it is truly humbling for me to represent and advocate on behalf of the industry I know best. The support and response I’ve received from farmers, members of the General Assembly and the general public since Governor Hogan asked me to serve has been overwhelmingly gratifying. I am equally pleased and humbled to work for a governor who is dedicated and determined to serve agriculture; a governor who understands that Maryland farmers were the original environmentalists and stewards of the land, and we will continue to be.

Farms are critical to Maryland’s economy and priceless rural heritage. My goals while serving as Secretary include:

• Helping farmers to 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;
• Rebuilding farmer trust that the department is a resource to them; and
• 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 the overall economy.

I will work with farmers across the state to strengthen the agricultural community as well as support farmers who are diversifying their farms to create new opportunities for future generations.

For example, 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. The department is going to be looking at ways to help those farmers who are interested in learning more about transitioning to organic.

While we need to stay close to Annapolis during the legislative session, I plan to tour all parts of the state and visit agricultural operations. If you would be interested in participating and or have us visit your farm, we would be glad to hear from you. Please contact MDA Communications Director Julie Oberg at 410-841-5888 or julie.oberg@maryland.gov.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas about how we can reach our goals more effectively and efficiently. And I look forward to working with you all to ensure farming has a lasting and bright future in Maryland.