Call for Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame

Nominations Due No Later Than October 4

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is now accepting nominations of farmers and farm families for the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the state’s leading industry. Nominations are due Friday, October 4. Those selected for induction will be honored during the Taste of Maryland Agriculture event on February 6, 2020.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities and state economy. Our Maryland farmers work tirelessly, year-round to provide food, fiber, and nourishment for Maryland residents and many beyond our state borders,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “In recognition of the dedicated farm families throughout the state, I encourage residents to submit a nomination for the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame.”

Any farm family that derives its income principally from farming is eligible for the award. The Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, established in 1991, includes 50 farm families from 23 counties who have been honored for their high standards of conduct; personal values; contributions to their community; and performance, leadership, innovation, and achievement in agriculture.

Local Extension offices serve as local nominating committee coordinators. Each local nominating committee is made up of the county extension educator, county farm bureau president, county fair representative, and county soil conservation district chairman. Each committee reviews a pool of candidates from its county and forwards a selection to the Governor’s Selection Committee. Only one farm family per county can be considered.

Applicants MUST work with their county Cooperative Extension Office in preparing the application, which should include as much information about the family as possible and address agricultural leadership, community activities, and technological and management advancements.

The selection committee includes the Dean of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the President of the Maryland Farm Bureau, and members of the agricultural community.

The application can be downloaded here. Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on October 4.

For more information, contact Jessica O’Sullivan at 410-841-5882 or jessica.osullivan@maryland.gov.

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