Annapolis, Md. – Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order on Monday expanding the Maryland Agriculture Commission and assigning it new responsibilities to facilitate better coordination among state agencies on farming matters.
The Maryland Agriculture Commission will now identify regulations that complicate farming operations, recommend policy changes to bolster agricultural businesses, and enhance coordination between state and local agencies. Additionally, the order directs the Maryland Agriculture Commission to promote agritourism, fortify the food supply chain, and foster economic development in rural communities across the state.
This executive order replaces a 2006 version of the Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture, incorporating new agencies into the group. It raises the number of voting members to 19, drawing from farming organizations, local governments, and related industries. The order also introduces 14 nonvoting members from various state agencies, including the departments of labor, health, environment, energy, and education, along with university and research leaders.
“For our state to succeed, our farmers need to succeed,” Moore said. “This order expands a commission that’s been the key forum for Marylanders to develop new solutions to challenges in agriculture for twenty years. And here’s the upshot for our farmers: stronger partnerships, greater measurements of economic growth, and a state that is unified in its approach and nimble in its execution.”
The Maryland Department of Agriculture will chair the Maryland Agriculture Commission. The body must convene at least twice annually and deliver a report to the governor by October 1, detailing its goals, progress, and any proposed policy adjustments.
Maryland hosts more than 12,000 farms spanning about 2 million acres, as reported by the state agriculture department. These operations contribute over $8 billion yearly to the state’s economy.
Effective immediately upon signing on Monday, the order underscores the importance of interagency collaboration to ensure farmers avoid unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and receive consistent state assistance.
In Southern Maryland, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, with farms adapting to modern demands. The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission supports this sector by promoting profitable, community-empowering, and environmentally sound food systems. This local body holds public meetings on the first Thursday of each month to address farming needs in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.
Southern Maryland’s agricultural landscape includes diverse operations, from traditional crops to emerging agritourism ventures. According to Calvert County data, the area featured 920 farms covering 83,000 acres in the 2017 census, with farmers shifting toward consumer-driven local produce and experiential activities. This transition aligns with the state-level emphasis on agritourism promotion through the expanded Maryland Agriculture Commission.
Resources like the Southern Maryland Revolving Loan Fund for Agriculture assist local producers with projects that may not qualify for traditional financing, focusing on targeted initiatives to sustain farming viability. Such programs complement the Maryland Agriculture Commission’s goal of strengthening the food supply chain, particularly in rural settings where transportation and distribution can pose challenges.
The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland further bolsters agriculture by providing educational programs and resources that encourage sustainable practices, ensuring long-term productivity for regional farms. These efforts highlight how state policies, like the recent executive order, can integrate with local initiatives to reduce regulatory burdens.
Buy-local guides in Southern Maryland list seasonal and year-round farms and markets, facilitating direct consumer connections that support economic growth in farming communities. By improving coordination, the Maryland Agriculture Commission aims to amplify these grassroots activities, potentially leading to more efficient policy implementation at the county level.
Statewide, Maryland’s agricultural diversity encompasses crops, dairy, livestock, horticulture, poultry, and wineries, as outlined by the Maryland State Archives. In Southern Maryland, this mix often includes specialty items like fresh produce and value-added products, contributing to the area’s rural character.
The Maryland Agriculture Commission‘s focus on economic development in rural areas resonates with Southern Maryland’s ongoing efforts to preserve farmland while adapting to market changes. For instance, the Maryland Department of Agriculture programs provide overarching support, including regulatory guidance and marketing assistance, which the commission will now help streamline.
As the Maryland Agriculture Commission begins its expanded operations, its biannual meetings and annual report will serve as mechanisms to track advancements in addressing farming challenges. This structured approach ensures accountability and allows for ongoing input from stakeholders, including those in Southern Maryland’s agricultural community.
The executive order’s emphasis on unified state action addresses long-standing issues where fragmented agency involvement has sometimes left farmers navigating complex requirements independently. By centralizing discussions within the Maryland Agriculture Commission, the state positions itself to respond more effectively to sector needs.
In a region like Southern Maryland, where agriculture intersects with environmental stewardship and community vitality, such policy enhancements could reinforce existing commissions like SMADC in their mission to empower farmers. The order’s immediate effect signals a proactive stance on supporting an industry vital to Maryland’s economic fabric.
