As the end of 2008 draws near, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year. With 2008 being the year of the so-called “locavore,” the hottest topics  proved to be buying local and the environment.

Buying local is in fashion and MDA is trying to leverage this trend to help Maryland farmers.  Actually, with fuel prices and health concerns, we think this won’t be just a trend, but a longer term, common sense way to buy food.

Governor O’Malley is a huge supporter of buying local. He hosted an all local cook-out this summer on the lawn of the Government House to draw attention to Maryland products.  Farmers markets, CSA farms, restaurants, grocery stores, schools and institutions are all getting in on it and increasing the farmer’s bottom line. The General Assembly also passed the Farm to School Program, which has seen much success in its first year. Interest continues to grow for the Maryland’s Best website, which helps consumers and wholesalers find local products.

In terms of the environment, the passage of the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund is providing record cover crop funding. This year MDA approved a record 387,000 acres to be enrolled in the program at a value of nearly $20 million.  The Renewable Fuels Incentive Board approved the first state project for certification to receive state production credits.
MDA also launched a multi-media, grant-funded campaign, “Take it from Maryland Farmers,” to encourage backyard actions to help protect the Chesapeake Bay and to highlight conservation leadership by farmers.

Because of our location on the Chesapeake Bay there is a lot of environmental pressure especially as it relates to poultry and nutrient management. Farmers are good stewards of the land and have done a tremendous job reducing nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and their tributaries and will continue to do more as science and technology become available.

Governor O’Malley recently unveiled Maryland: Smart, Green & Growing, a multi-agency, statewide initiative to help Maryland achieve a more sustainable future by linking community revitalization, transportation improvements, economic development, smart growth and environmental restoration efforts.

Despite the economy, Maryland agriculture has a positive outlook and is well positioned for a strong future. USDA Ag Statistics reports that 2007 farm receipts in Maryland were $1.9 billion, up from $1.6 billion in 2006.

Our diverse agriculture enables Maryland to tap into local, national and international markets. This fall, we traveled to Cuba where a contract was signed for Mid-Atlantic grown soybeans and meal and interest was high for Maryland wine.

Portions of the Eastern Shore had a dry year again this year, but crop insurance is getting us through and Governor O’Malley is requesting a USDA disaster designation for affected counties.

While we hope the horse racing industry will be strengthened with the recent passage of slots, recreational riding is a strong component of our industry – supporting hundreds of thousands of acres of open space and ag businesses.

Maryland farmers are doing good things for the environment, providing more and more of our food, supporting the local and rural economy and preserving open space that we all enjoy.

Be sure to look for our 2009 calendar, which highlights the diversity of Maryland agriculture. Please call 410-841-5775 if you did not receive a copy.

Thank you. I wish you all the best for a very peaceful and joyous holiday season,

Roger Richardson,