Governor Highlights Agriculture, Volunteerism at 132nd Maryland State Fair

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance today addressed state agricultural and volunteerism leaders in a visit to the 132nd Maryland State Fair in Timonium. The combined Governor’s Agriculture and Volunteer Day luncheon celebrated farming and volunteerism as the foundations of our state and the keys to a sustainable and civil future for all Marylanders.

“The State Fair is a chance to remind ourselves of our roots and to see the work that Maryland farmers are doing to create jobs, strengthen our economy, and feed our families. Our family farms have been partners in the recovery of our economy and of our environment,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our goals for a strong and sustainable future will only be realized if these two sectors – agriculture and volunteerism – continue to thrive and grow. I am pleased to be here today to recognize the valuable contributions of both.”

Agriculture Day, which highlights the state’s strong agricultural traditions, is traditionally held on the Thursday in the middle of the 11-day run of the State Fair while the Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day is held on the first Sunday of the Fair and recognizes those who contribute to their communities.

In his remarks, Secretary Hance highlighted the new 13-part series about Maryland agriculture called Maryland Farm and Harvest co-produced by Maryland Public Television and MDA. The series, funded by a variety of agricultural commodity and trade organizations, will highlight the diversity of Maryland farms and farmers and help increase the public’s understanding of farmers and farm life, as well as agriculture’s contributions to the state and national economy. The series will premier Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m. Episodes will repeat Thursdays at 11:30 p.m., Sundays at 6:00 a.m., and Fridays at 6:00 p.m.

During today’s luncheon, Governor O’Malley and Secretary Hance also welcomed 16-year-old Gabrielle Cory of Leonardtown (St. Mary’s County) who was named Miss Maryland Agriculture 2013 during opening-night festivities at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium. Gabrielle lives on a 20-acre farmstead dedicated to forest conservation and also has sheep, cattle and poultry housed on her grandmother’s farm. She is the daughter of Wesley and Marian Cory.

Following the luncheon, Secretary Hance, State Fair leadership and other dignitaries toured the fairgrounds.

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