{"id":1813,"date":"2008-11-26T13:33:51","date_gmt":"2008-11-26T13:33:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=1813"},"modified":"2012-10-03T13:35:04","modified_gmt":"2012-10-03T13:35:04","slug":"november-2008","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/mda-newsletter\/2008\/11\/26\/november-2008\/","title":{"rendered":"November 2008"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"MarylandMaryland Department of Agriculture\u00a0News<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 Celebrating Maryland\u00a0Agriculture<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nNovember\u00a02008 \u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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In This Issue<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
State Makes Progress on Ag Initiatives<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MDA Long Service Awards<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Buy Local this Holiday Season<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AFO Public Hearings Scheduled<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Firewood: Get What You Pay For<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Md. Man Wins National Oyster Contest<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cantwell New Mosquito Control Manager<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
People Profile: Richard P. Penna<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Featured Recipe: Oyster Stuffing<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Secretary’s Corner<\/strong><\/span>
\n\"Secretary<\/p>\n

In these tough economic times, there is no better way to save on fuel,\u00a0help the environment,\u00a0and keep your money in your community than by buying local products directly from a producer whenever possible. You may even find they are less expensive than at stores where goods have been transported long distances. Regardless, they will be fresh, \u00a0great tasting and unique. Look for locally-grown and -made products for holiday meals, decorations,\u00a0and gifts.<\/div>\n
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The Maryland Agricultural Statistics Service<\/span><\/a> has completed its Annual Summary, showing that in 2007, farm receipts jumped to almost $2 billion up from $1.6 billion in 2006.\u00a0\u00a0Most of the top 10 commodities posted increases.\u00a0 With prices moderating and a drought in some Eastern Shore\u00a0counties this summer, we may not see those kind of increases\u00a0this year.\u00a0 These fluctuations in prices, costs, and weather remind us of the importance of managing risk with crop insurance<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and product diversification.<\/div>\n
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You can count on MDA staff to deliver the best services and products possible. Our resources will be\u00a0more limited due to the State’s declining revenues. Fortunately, we do have a top-notch staff – I believe the best in the State – who will\u00a0 become even more\u00a0creative\u00a0in finding ways \u00a0to meet your needs.\u00a0 As always, we welcome your comments\u00a0and ideas as we move forward in\u00a0challenging times.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0Thank you and I wish you all the best,<\/div>\n
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Roger Richardson, <\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

MDA Secretary<\/div>\n

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Quick Links<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
More About MDA <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
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BayStat <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Sign Up for Governor O’Malley’s E-Newsletter<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\"GovernorState Makes Progress on Ag Initiatives <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
The strategic plan for the future of Maryland agriculture has taken another step forward with the appointment of staff from 15 state agencies to serve as liaisons<\/span><\/a> with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and farmers to help advance this sector of the state’s economy. To date, 100 of the 109 recommendations<\/span><\/a> found in the plan, which was developed through a two-year grassroots effort, are either underway or completed.\u00a0They all fall within the three main categories of expanding markets and profitability; maintaining an adequate base of productive farmland; and advocacy, education and outreach on behalf of the agricultural community.<\/div>\n
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\"twoMDA Honors Employees with Service Awards<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) honored 61 employees recently for their years of service dedicated to the department. Ronald Rogers received special recognition for 40 outstanding years of public service. Three employees were honored for their 35 years of service; seven for 30 years of service, and 14 for 25 years of service.\u00a0 The remaining honorees were recognized for public service of 10, 15, or 20 years.\u00a0Click here<\/a> for a listing by county of the MDA awardees who have reached a 25-year or greater milestone in their careers of public service.<\/p>\n

“MDA and the agriculture community are fortunate to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable corps of employees working to strengthen the State of Maryland and this agency each and every day,” said MDA Secretary Roger Richardson. “For almost 35 years, MDA has been protecting consumers and the environment and ensuring fairness in the marketplace. It is a true testament to the value of our work that many of the employees honored this year have been with department since its founding.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"treeBuy Local\u00a0this Holiday Season\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to support Maryland agriculture through the purchase of farm-fresh products for decorations around the home, unique gifts, and locally-produced food and drinks for every holiday feast.\u00a0 Click here<\/a> to\u00a0find out about the seasonal bounty offered by Maryland’s farms including\u00a0lists of farmers’ markets, Maryland wineries, local seafood retailers, turkey growers, and choose-and-cut or retail operations selling Maryland-grown Christmas trees.\u00a0The Maryland Christmas Tree Association has also published a directory of Choose & Cut Farms<\/a>, which lists dozens of locations across Maryland where families can harvest their own Christmas trees.<\/div>\n
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There are many ways to buy local and support Maryland’s farmers all year long.\u00a0 A few farmers’ markets across the state are open through the month of December and continue to offer fresh, seasonal, locally-grown produce such as apples, pears, persimmons, greens, sweet potatoes, turnips, winter squash, and beets.\u00a0 Several markets also offer a variety of farm-made products like baked goods, honey, jams, jellies, syrups, cider, and an assortment of holiday gift items.\u00a0 Consumers can also purchase a variety of meats and cheeses directly from the farms where they were produced.\u00a0 A Maryland wine from one of the state’s 34 licensed\u00a0wineries<\/a>, along with fresh seafood from the Bay, will round out any holiday meal.<\/div>\n

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Animal Feeding Operation Proposal Update <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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The Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Agriculture thank everyone who commented on the proposed regulations for poultry operations over the past year. The formal public hearings in Salisbury, Wye Mills, and Frederick in mid-November follow three public meetings, four briefings with agricultural leadership groups, and numerous individual conversations. <\/span><\/p>\n

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MDE\u00a0listened and learned from many viewpoints on this component of Maryland’s full-scale effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The regulations have been improved to be more effective and efficient based on the comments.\u00a0<\/span>MDE will accept\u00a0written comments until November 20. Click here<\/a> for more information. <\/span><\/div>\n

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\"FirewoodFirewood: Get What You Pay For<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
With the onset of cooler autumn weather, many Maryland residents are turning on their furnaces and stocking up on wood to heat their homes. Anyone buying or selling wood should be familiar with regulations governing the measurement of firewood so that consumers get what they pay for. Maryland regulations require that firewood sold in the state only be sold by the cord, or fractional parts of a cord. Any other term, such as truckload, rack, face cord, or pile, is illegal. The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Weights and Measures Section<\/a>\u00a0regulates the sale of firewood.<\/div>\n
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This year, MDA\u00a0urges county residents and sellers of firewood not to transport firewood out of Prince George’s and Charles counties to homes, hunting or camping locations, rather buy it where it will be burned to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer<\/a>.\u00a0For more information, click here<\/a>.<\/div>\n

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\"twoMd. Man Wins National Oyster Contest <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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Brendan Cahill of Lusby, Md., won the Grand Prize at the 29th Annual National Oyster Cook-off<\/a> in Leonardtown, Md.\u00a0He competed against eight other finalists from six different states who were selected from over 100 entries to come to Leonardtown for the event. Brendan’s dish, Oyster en Brochette with Remoulade Sauce, consisted of oysters wrapped in applewood smoked bacon on wooden skewers, saut\u00e9ed and drizzled with the sauce.\u00a0The dish, which also received first place in the hors d’oeuvres category, was smoky and delicious without overpowering the oysters.\u00a0Click here<\/a> for the award-winning\u00a0recipe.<\/p>\n

The National Oyster Cook-off<\/a> is held in conjunction with the National Oyster Shucking Championship at the St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival.\u00a0 The National Oyster Cook-off is sponsored by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood and Aquaculture Program<\/a>, St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development and the Rotary Club of St. Mary’s County, Lexington Park.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Cantwell\u00a0Named New\u00a0Mosquito Control Manager<\/strong><\/span><\/span> \"Head<\/span><\/p>\n
Secretary of Agriculture Roger Richardson named Michael A. Cantwell program manager for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Mosquito Control Program as of October 8.<\/div>\n
Cantwell began his career with MDA in 1972 and has served as the acting program manager of the office since February 1.<\/div>\n
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As program manager, Cantwell is responsible for administrative and program oversight of all services provided to approximately 1.3 million residents living in 2,000 communities in 22 counties and Baltimore City. The program, in partnership with local jurisdictions and neighborhoods, includes community education and outreach, larviciding, and aerial and truck based operations for adult mosquito control.\u00a0 Cantwell oversees a staff of 19 year-round employees and about 60 part-time employees in the summer months.\u00a0 Click here<\/a> to learn more.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"ManPeople Profile:\u00a0Richard P. Penna<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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Mr. Richard P. Penna, Pharm.D., is the current chair of the nine-member Governor’s Advisory Commission on Maryland Wine and Grape Growing<\/a>, which advises the Maryland Wine and Grape Promotion Council on the allocation of funds from the Maryland Wine and Grape Promotion Fund. The Commission, established in July 2006, also identifies strategies to facilitate the growth of viticulture in Maryland.<\/p>\n

Mr. Penna spent most of his career in organized pharmacy. As he neared retirement, Mr. Penna started planting grapes as a hobby in 1986. He now is dedicated to grape growing and wine making full time at his farm – Antietam Vineyards in Knoxville, MD (Washington County) – where he grows a wide variety of red and white grapes.<\/p>\n

Mr. Penna explained there is a strong connection between making medicine and making wine that involves very similar chemistry and biology. “Making wine was easy; it’s the growing of grapes that required the learning part. The Maryland Grape Growers Association as well as area grape growers were a tremendous help to me, though nothing teaches like experience!”<\/p>\n

He got his start with the commission while lobbying for a new building in Baltimore for the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.\u00a0 During his efforts, he met with Sen. Donald Munson of Washington County, who has a vital interest in agriculture.\u00a0 Senator Munson thought growing grapes might be a good way for Western Maryland farmers to diversify and add value to their operations.<\/p>\n

As a result, Senator Munson, then MDA Sec. Lewis Riley, farmers, and University of Maryland met in Hagerstown.\u00a0Sec.\u00a0 Riley then appointed the “Maryland Wine and Grape Advisory Committee” to help strengthen Maryland’s rural and agricultural economy by identifying strategies to strengthen and expand Maryland’s grape and wine economies and their markets.\u00a0 Mr. Penna chaired that committee, which released a report with 59 recommendations including that the legislature allocate money each year to support the industry. \u00a0The Commission, celebrating its third anniversary this spring, was formed to oversee the funds.<\/p>\n

“This is a success story of citizens making a difference by playing a vital role in talking with their legislators,” said Mr. Penna. “I am especially proud\u00a0of the Commission’s efforts and educational programs. Through the Capital Assistance Program, we are partnering with farmers to share the cost of planting new vines, making it possible for vineyards to expand. The Maryland wine industry is beginning to draw attention to itself. We’ve made enormous progress and the interest continues to increase. When the Commission started, there were about 15 wineries and now there are 34. Wine and grape growers bring a cost-effective value to the state and need to continue to expand.”<\/p>\n

Many varieties of grapes are grown and there are more than 240 different wines produced by Maryland’s 34 licensed wineries in all styles-from dry to dessert. Maryland wine sales were up 19 percent in 2007 and represent a $12.7 million industry in the State. The wineries are popular tourist destinations and attract visitors to other nearby sites.\u00a0 Click here<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

“My vision is that the Commission will continue to draw attention to Maryland wines as a quality product and the value they bring to the State through tax revenues, tourism and the valuable economic benefits offered by grape growing and farming.\u00a0 I look forward to continuing the growth of the wine industry in Maryland and would hope folks with land will consider growing grapes as a good investment that offers a valuable return.”Mr. Penna has two daughters, a son and five grandchildren. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of California Medical Center at San Francisco.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"twoFeatured Recipe: Oyster Stuffing<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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From the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Seafood Marketing Program
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\n2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 large stalks celery
\n1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 medium onion
\n1\/2\u00a0 cup (1 stick) margarine or butter
\n1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 teaspoon salt
\n1\/2\u00a0 teaspoon lemon and pepper seasoning
\n1\/8\u00a0 teaspoon mace
\n1\/8\u00a0 teaspoon tarragon
\n1\/8\u00a0 teaspoon poultry seasoning
\n1\/2\u00a0 teaspoon lemon juice
\n1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 pint shucked Maryland oysters, with liquor
\n8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 slices day old bread, cubed<\/p>\n

FINELY chop celery and onions.\u00a0 Saut\u00e9 in margarine or butter until tender.\u00a0 Mix in seasonings.\u00a0 Add oysters with liquor and simmer until edges of oysters just begin to curl.\u00a0 Remove from heat and gently mix in bread cubes.\u00a0 Adjust moistness with water as desired.\u00a0 Makes about 4 cups dressing (allow about 1\/2\u00a0cup per pound for fish; 1 cup per pound for poultry).<\/div>\n
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Note:\u00a0 For an extra special tangy taste, core and finely chop 2 medium apples and add with celery and onions when cooking.\u00a0 Yield will increase about 1\/2\u00a0cup.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Upcoming Events<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n