GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY HIGHLIGHTS AGRICULTURE, VOLUNTEERISM AT 130th MARYLAND STATE FAIR

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 1, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance to address state agricultural and volunteerism leaders in a visit to the 130th Maryland State Fair in Timonium.  The combined Governor’s Volunteer and Agriculture Day luncheon celebrated farming and volunteerism as the foundations of our state and the keys to a sustainable and civil future for all Marylanders.

“There is a strong connectivity between our goals for agriculture, civil service, and the more sustainable future that all of us prefer for our state.” said Governor O’Malley.  “Throughout the great Revolutionary history of our state, we have derived our strength here in Maryland from our shared sense that tomorrow can be better than today, and that each of us shares a personal responsibility to help make it so. The awards presented today reflect that same spirit of shared responsibility and commitment to the future of our great State.”
Agriculture Day, traditionally held on the Thursday in the middle of the 11-day run of the Fair, highlights the strong agricultural traditions that make Maryland the strong state that it is today and that carry us forward to the future. It is celebrated with a luncheon gathering of agricultural leadership from around the state and a host of special, agriculture-related activities. Farming provides a healthy, local food supply, preserves beautiful, productive farmland, and strengthens rural economies for the benefit of all Marylanders.

Traditionally, Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day is held on the first Sunday of the Maryland State Fair. Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day 2011 took place August 28. The Governor’s Office on Services and Volunteerism hosted the Governor’s tent, which provided space for state agencies and community exhibitors. Activities in the Governor’s tent included karaoke, a face painting station, jewelry studio, visor making and a card design center. Special invitations were extended to returning military troops and their families to spend a day at the State Fair, compliments of the Governor. Requests for Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day discount tickets poured in from across the state. Each ticket allowed a group of five people admission to the State Fair at a discounted rate, including discounts on the price of rides and the new State Fair Coupon Book.

During the luncheon, Governor O’Malley presented the 2011 Smart, Green and Growing Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship Award to Steven Ernst for his long history of sustainable, conservation farming.  Governor O’Malley also presented the 2011 Smart, Green and Growing Government Innovation Award to St. Mary’s County Government for its work with citizens and other stakeholders to codify new laws to successfully save the county’s agricultural heritage.

During today’s luncheon Secretary Hance welcomed Casey Miller, 16, named Miss Maryland Agriculture 2011 on August 26 at the Maryland State Fair.  Miss Miller, of Clinton in Prince George’s County, grew up on the 250-acre family owned Miller Farms, one of the oldest working farms providing fresh produce, soy beans, wheat, straw, flowers and close to the D.C. area. Her family’s ancestors have farmed the land since 1840. She is entering her junior year at St. Mary’s Ryken High School.

Governor O’Malley also recognized John Porcari, former Maryland Transportation Secretary and current U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation; Michael Scuse, Acting Under Secretary Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Shawn Garvin, EPA Region 3 Administrator.
Following the luncheon, the State Fair leadership and other dignitaries toured the fairgrounds, visiting the Exhibition Hall, Farm and Garden Building, the Maryland State Fair Museum, and Natural Resources exhibits.  Special activities included a slime lab, honey extraction demonstration, Master Gardener and Flower Day as well as traditional cattle and horse show, and a home arts show.
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2011 Smart Green and Growing Award Recipients

Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship – Steve Ernst (Washington County farmer)

• Steven Ernst was honored for his long history of sustainable, conservation farming. A seventh-generation farmer, Mr. Ernst manages a 624 acre grain, swine and sheep operation in Clear Spring (Washington County).  In June 2010, Mr. Ernst became the first farmer in the state certified under the new Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP) – a designation that indicates the operation’s nutrient management plan and soil conservation and water quality plan have been prepared and implemented in full compliance with state requirements and that conservation best management practices have been installed and maintained to prevent any significant pollution from leaving the farm. These best management practices include grassed waterways, riparian buffers, filter strips, a manure storage facility, a pesticide storage facility, conservation crop rotation, residue management and long-term no-till planting and extensive use of cover crops. By planting cover crops regularly, placing the farm under perpetual easement with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, and by becoming the state’s first certified agricultural conservation steward, Mr.Ernst exemplifies the best of the agriculture industry and serves as a true role model for others to emulate.

Government Innovation – St. Mary’s County Government

• St. Mary’s County Government was honored for its willingness to work with citizens and other stakeholders to codify new laws to successfully save the county’s agricultural heritage. Between 1987 and 2002, rural St. Mary’s County lost 15 percent of its active farmland, for a loss of 12,000 acres. To protect its rural character, the county created a Task Force on Transferable Development Rights, a Task Force on Adequate Public Facilities, and a Rural Preservation District Task Force.  Between 2002 and 2010, the county implemented a lattice of controversial but critical land use reforms that ultimately stopped the loss of farmland. The county accomplished this turn-about with five distinct tools: (1) strong rural zoning, (2) an improved transferable development rights program, (3) a growth management policy, (4) a “right to farm” ordinance, and (5) zoning incentives for new forms of agriculture. Each task force included farmers, developers, environmentalists and a diverse representation of other community interests. They also received staff support from two county departments: the Department of Land Use and Growth Management and the Department of Economic and Community Development.

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