MDA Seeking Eastern Shore and Western Maryland Nominations for the Young Farmers Advisory Board

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Nov. 4, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill two positions on the Young Farmers Advisory Board – one each from the Eastern Shore and Garrett or Allegany counties.  The appointments, which should represent the category of “general public” on the Board, are made by Governor Martin O’Malley.

Any potential candidates must be a Maryland resident under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the three-year appointed term; derive at least 50 percent of his/her personnel income from farming or agricultural activities in the state; and be interested in the preservation and development of agriculture.

The primary functions of the Board are to:
1.    Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in the state and make recommendations to the Maryland Agriculture Commission, and
2.    Communicate to the general public, the federal government, the state government, and the Maryland Agriculture Commission the importance of young and beginning farmers to agriculture in the State.

The 12-member Maryland Young Farmers Advisory Board serves to promote Agriculture as a positive contributor to Maryland’s economy, environment, and scenic landscape; and to make recommendations related to economic development and policy issues that will assist young and beginning farmers, and other related businesses in creating and continuing profitable Agriculture throughout the State.