Leaders from Maryland’s agricultural sector will convene with local, state and national legislators at the 56th annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture gala on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland at Arundel Mills. The event, sponsored by the Maryland Agriculture Council Inc., anticipates more than 900 attendees focused on networking, sampling Maryland-produced foods and beverages, and discussing the industry’s role in the state’s economy and environment.
The gathering underscores the council’s efforts to highlight agriculture’s contributions to food production, job creation and land preservation while fostering dialogue with policymakers. “Our mission for this event is to promote our vital and diverse agricultural industry and educate lawmakers about its importance to every citizen in Maryland,” said Robert C. “Robbie” Miller, council president. “As farmers, we are proud to produce food, fiber and fuel. We are proud to create jobs. We are proud to safely sustain and preserve and protect our land and natural resources. But it takes cooperation, mutual understanding and respect with our elected officials to keep us viable and strong.”
Governor Wes Moore is scheduled to introduce the state’s Agricultural Hall of Fame honoree, recognizing a farm family for exceptional dedication to agriculture and community service. The award, established in 1991 by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, honors families exemplifying high standards in the industry through achievements and commitment.
Recent recipients include the Deford Family of Baltimore County in 2025 and the Willard Family of Montgomery County in 2024, selected via nominations through county extension offices and announced annually at the gala. The selection process involves applications submitted in late summer or early fall, emphasizing multi-generational stewardship and innovation in farming practices.
Attendees will also witness the presentation of $10,000 in grants to individuals and organizations supporting agriculture education programs statewide. These funds, administered by the council, aim to enhance awareness and skills in farming practices among students and communities. Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle opened in July 2025 and closed recently, with notifications set for December and awards distributed at the gala. The grants target initiatives that introduce youth to agricultural realities, from crop management to sustainable resource use, aligning with broader efforts to address workforce needs in the sector.
The gala features a selection of foods and beverages sourced from Maryland producers, offering a direct taste of the state’s agricultural output. Producers interested in contributing can contact executive director Susan Summers at ssummers@comcast.net. Sponsorship opportunities remain available to support the event, with details outlined on the council’s website.
Tickets cost $100 per person if purchased before January 10, 2026, increasing to $130 until February 1 and $150 thereafter. Reservations can be made online through the council’s event page. A discounted room block is available at the host hotel for overnight stays. The evening runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., providing ample time for conversations amid the casino’s facilities at 7002 Arundel Mills Circle.
Maryland’s agriculture sector generates more than $3.3 billion annually in cash receipts, with top commodities including broilers, corn and soybeans, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state. The industry encompasses diverse operations, from poultry production — exceeding 300 million birds yearly — to field crops and livestock. Despite these strengths, agriculture faces challenges, including a steady decline in the number of farms and pressures from rising costs and regulatory changes, as highlighted in recent state reports.
Governor Moore’s administration has advanced agricultural priorities through targeted measures. In July 2025, an executive order expanded the Maryland Agriculture Commission to streamline regulations and enhance economic opportunities for producers. This builds on legislative successes from the 2025 General Assembly session, where the Maryland Farm Bureau secured protections against budget cuts and advanced policies supporting farm viability amid a $3 billion state shortfall. Additional initiatives include guidance on value-added agriculture and agritourism, released in October 2025, to help farmers diversify income streams and mitigate economic risks.
The Taste of Maryland Agriculture, held annually since 1971, serves as a cornerstone for industry advocacy. Organized by the Maryland Agriculture Council, a nonprofit founded in 1961 to represent farm interests, the event has evolved into a platform for policy discussions and recognition. Past galas have inducted numerous families into the Hall of Fame, including the Fritz Family of Carroll County in 2022 and the Eck Family of Queen Anne’s County in 2021, celebrating contributions to crop diversification, community involvement and environmental stewardship.
As the sector navigates these dynamics, events like the gala reinforce agriculture’s foundational role in Maryland’s economy and food supply.
