Secretary’s Corner

The summer is when it is easiest for everyone to connect with and better understand farming.  Farmers’ markets, roadside stands, grocery stores, local fairs and agricultural shows, backyard gardens and the beautiful farm fields with grazing animals and ripening crops all make it easy for even the least indoctrinated to understand where our food comes from and why farming is important to our health and the environment.  We are still savoring the all-local dishes served at the cook out hosted by Governor and First Lady Katie O’Malley.

There are still plenty of vegetables ripening in our backyard gardens, and it is time to think about putting in cold weather vegetable seedlings for the fall. Thanks to a generous donation of seedlings from Bonnie Plants and the volunteer efforts of the Master Gardeners, Katie O’Malley’s garden at Government House is ready for fall. Planted soon, vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, chard and other greens will keep you flush with food from the backyard. If you aren’t sure how, contact the University of Maryland Master Gardener’s Grow It Eat It web page or call the Home and Garden Information Center at 800-342-2507.  And, now that kids are getting back to school, they’ll begin to see fresh and local foods in their school lunches thanks to the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program and all the partners making it possible in Maryland. Together, let’s continue to buy, eat and grow local foods. It’s getting easier by the day.

It hasn’t been an easy summer for most farmers thanks to the wide range of weather, which has taken a toll on our crops in many parts of the State.  Many farmers are now seeing a negative result of persistent spring rain in wheat and barley harvests that are contaminated with vomitoxin, which is caused by a naturally-occurring fungus.  MDA is providing free seed testing to farmers. Since the fungus has also negatively impacted seed quality, MDA is providing farmers the flexibility in the Cover Crop Program for farmers to use farm-grown seed that may not meet the normal germination rate. This adjustment to the program will allow farmers to use this year’s seed while still assuring that the cover crop achieves its proven nutrient benefits..

Dairy farmers are suffering one of the worst years ever and are in dire straits due to ongoing low milk prices and high input costs.  Governor O’Malley along with the governors of other dairy states are asking USDA for special dispensation on Farm Service Agency loans to dairy farmers to help them weather the economic storm they are currently experiencing.

We continue to work the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most recently, we met with EPA officials for a brainstorming session on how to implement President Obama’s Executive Order on the Chesapeake Bay.  At the meeting, I expressed concern and offered suggestions on how to make the inspection process more respectful of farmers, without impacting the integrity or goals of the inspection, which will become increasingly important as more of our farmers are permitted as animal feeding operations.

Thank you.

I wish you all the best,
Buddy Hance
MDA Secretary

Governor Martin O’Malley recently joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in proclaiming August 2-8, 2009 as National Farmers’ Market Week.  To celebrate the week, Agriculture Sec. Buddy Hance visited the Silver Spring Fresh Farm Market with Congresswoman Donna Edwards.

“Buying locally, especially directly from farmers at farmers’ markets, is key to ensuring a smart, green and growing future for Maryland families.  It preserves farmland, protects the environment, keeps our money in Maryland, and provides fresh, nutritious food for a healthy diet,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Farmers’ markets are increasingly popular sources of affordable, farm-fresh, locally-grown, nutritious produce in towns across the state and the nation.”

Every county in Maryland and Baltimore City hosts at least one farmers’ market, with a grand total of over 100 farmers’ markets state-wide, a number that has grown from only 20 in 1991.  For a list of farmers’ markets in Maryland, visit www.MarylandsBest.net or call 410-841-5770.

Photo: MDA Sec. Hance at Silver Spring market with Congresswoman Edwards (left) and Bernadine Prince, co-founder of FreshFarm Markets (center)

Take a bite out of the summer heat with MAR-DELicious watermelon.  Maryland’s Best, in coordination with Maryland and Delaware watermelon producers, is promoting local watermelon through television, radio, and web advertising as well as special events with local and national watermelon queens.  Click here to see a TV ad featuring the Mar-Del Watermelon Queen.  Click here for a brief soundbook with Will Hales, Maryland farmer who grows more than 300
acres of watermelons.