ANNAPOLIS, MD. – Today, the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) testified on the state of agriculture in front of the House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee. Greg Dell, a grain farmer from Carroll County and MDFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Chair, testified on MDFB’s behalf on the most pressing issues facing Maryland agriculture.

Greg Dell Testifying at House of Delegates Environment & Transportation Committee

“In an industry where margins are tight, it’s helpful to have the assistance of our elected officials’ to advance farmer-friendly policies,” said Greg Dell. “We look forward to working with our legislators to ensure a brighter future for Maryland agriculture in 2024.”

Topics of discussion included the issue of solar siting on agricultural land, including MDFB’s opposition to placing solar panels on finite class 1 and 2 agricultural soils, and the importance of accurate assessments on agricultural products and buildings. Dell also discussed the growth of urban agriculture in Maryland and advocated for its expansion. MDFB plans to remain intimately involved in these discussions as legislation gets introduced in the General Assembly.

Other agricultural stakeholders that testified in front of the committee included Mary Lou Brown of the Delmarva Chicken Association, Kurt Fuchs of Horizon Farm Credit, Jennie Schmidt of the Maryland Grain Producers Association, and John Swaine of Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts. The committee was chaired by Delegate Marc Korman and included Delegate Regina Boyce, the vice-chair of the committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture & Open Space.

Delegates Regina Boyce and Marc Korman

“It is an exciting time,” said Delegate Regina Boyce. “Although there are some challenges, we’re looking forward to working with everyone to stabilize and grow agriculture in Maryland.”

In December, MDFB’s Board of Directors met with Governor Wes Moore to discuss similar issues. Maryland Farm Bureau remains steadfast in advocating for our state’s agricultural industry, and we plan on keeping in regular communication with our elected officials to deliver wins for Maryland farmers. Additional photos from today can be found on our Flickr.

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