Maryland Farm Bureau Advocates for Farmers and Key Legislation in Capitol Hill Meetings
Sept. 22nd 2023 – Representatives of the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) met with their Members of Congress and staff this week to advocate on behalf of a number of federal bills that will help Maryland farmers – including the 2023 Farm Bill. MDFB members emphasized the importance of policies that empower farmers to produce food efficiently while safeguarding our precious land, waterways, and air quality.
“As Maryland’s largest commercial industry, it’s imperative that our federal representatives understand the issues currently facing Maryland farmers,” said MDFB President Wayne Stafford. “We greatly appreciate our Members of Congress and their staff for listening to the concerns of our members, and we remain optimistic that they will keep our farmers’ needs in mind when supporting legislation, like the 2023 Farm Bill.”
On Thursday afternoon, MDFB met with Maryland Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen. The day prior, MDFB met with staff members from the offices of Congressman David Trone, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Congressman John Sarbanes, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, and Congressman Andy Harris.
In addition to their advocacy for the 2023 Farm Bill, MDFB members highlighted several federal bills to significantly benefit Maryland’s farming community. These include:
- H.R. 1437 – Black Vulture Relief Act
Introduced in the House by Rep. Rose (R-TN) & Rep. Soto (D-FL)
- H.R. 5096, S. 2235 – Healthy Poultry and Indemnification Act
Introduced in the House by Rep. Blunt Rochester (D-DE) & Rep. Alford (R-MO)
Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Coons (D-DE) & Sen. Wicker (R-MS)
- H.R. 4708 – H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers Act
Introduced in the House by Rep. Gonzales (R-TX) & Rep. Cuellar (D-TX)
- H.R. 1147, S. 1957 – Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
Introduced in the House by Rep. Thompson (R-PA) & Rep. Schrier (D-WA)
Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Welsh (D-VT) & Sen. Marshall (R-KS)
- H.R. 4721, S. 1706 – Main Street Tax Certainty Act
Introduced in the House by Rep. Smucker (R-PA) & Rep. Cuellar (D-TX)
Introduced in the Senate by Sen. Daines (R-MT)
As discussions surrounding federal appropriation bills continue throughout the year, MDFB is committed to maintaining active engagement through outreach campaigns that emphasize the 2023 Farm Bill’s significance. Both MDFB and the American Farm Bureau Federation unite in their advocacy for the swift passage of the Farm Bill this year, recognizing its importance for the agricultural community. Earlier this year, MDFB joined the Farm Bill for American Families initiative, a multi-state effort to promote the passage of the Farm Bill.