November 13, 2020– With the safety of members, board members and staff in mind, the Maryland Farm Bureau has canceled the in-person annual convention and is moving the 2020 Annual Meeting of Delegates to a virtual hybrid format.
The virtual hybrid format will take place on Monday, December 7 and Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Designated proxy delegates and alternate proxy delegates for county Farm Bureaus, affiliate organizations, and program committees will join together in small groups in-person at one of six district satellite locations across the state. The board of directors has adopted a proxy voting system in order to keep the size of these district meeting locations small to maintain safe social distancing.
“Just like our members have adapted to the challenges of this growing season, we are adapting our meeting processes to keep our members safe,” said John Torres, Maryland Farm Bureau executive director. “We recognize that our members look forward to celebrating the achievements of county Farm Bureau’s and individuals each year in person, and we look forward to reestablishing those connections in 2021.”
This first-of-its-kind annual meeting is free to attend virtually by registering at https://mdfarmbureau.com/convention/. We ask that those who are not delegates, members of the state board, members of the MDFB PAC, or staff, participate in the live streamed virtual meeting from the comfort of their own homes.
Those who will be attending one of the six district satellite locations must register for on-site attendance, this includes credentialed delegates, to comply with new-state wide COVID-19 rules. Registration is now open for both the virtual meeting and district satellite locations. Those attending on-site are asked to pay a $40.00 registration fee to help off-set the cost of each meeting location including technology, food and beverage.
Visit https://mdfarmbureau.com/convention/ to view the meeting agenda and register.
Contingency plans are currently being worked out in the event that convening in-person at district satellite locations no longer becomes a safe and viable option. Maryland Farm Bureau will communicate any changes to the program as soon as possible to members.
This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to John Torres, Executive Director of the Maryland Farm Bureau.