Bartenfelder Confirmed As Maryland Agriculture Secretary

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Senate today confirmed Joe Bartenfelder, a lifelong farmer and Governor Larry Hogan’s choice to lead the state Department of Agriculture. Bartenfelder had received unanimous support by the Senate Executive Nominations Committee on Monday.

“It is an honor to serve my fellow farmers, representing the industry I know best, under Governor Hogan and Lt. Governor Rutherford,” said Bartenfelder. “Farms are critical to Maryland’s economy and priceless rural heritage. I will work with farmers across our state to strengthen the agricultural community and support farmers who are diversifying their farms to create new opportunities for our future generations.”

Bartenfelder’s priorities for his time at MDA include:

• Helping farmers to diversify their businesses to capitalize on expanding marketing opportunities from the growing consumer demand for local, sustainable agricultural products and desire to better understand where their food comes from;
• Rebuilding farmer trust that the department is a resource to them; and
• Working with elected officials, policy makers and the general public to ensure they know about the importance of Maryland agriculture to our quality of life and the overall economy.

Bartenfelder, a 5^th generation farmer, was born in Baltimore County, where his family has been farming since the 1840s.  He now lives in Caroline County where his family has been farming since 1997. He has four children and three grandchildren. For more than 35 years, Bartenfelder has been a full-time farmer and small businessman. His family primarily grows vegetables, which they sell wholesale and at the Baltimore City Farmers’ Market. Additionally, they have two broiler houses and grow wheat, soybeans, and corn.

In addition to farming, Bartenfelder has spent nearly 30 years in elected office. From 1983 to 1994, he served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 8 (Baltimore County). Then, from 1994 to 2010, he served as a member of the Baltimore County Council (chair, 1997, 2000, 2005, 2009).  He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Towson State University.

Bartenfelder replaces Buddy Hance who served as MDA from 2009 until last month.

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