As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Larry Hogan (R): “Maryland’s agricultural heritage is an incredibly important part of our state’s economy and culture. It has been great being able to celebrate that as I’ve traveled the state visiting many of our county fairs, meeting with our farmers, local families, fairgoers, and especially our 4-H and FFA students. Maryland’s future is bright with this next generation of ag leaders at the helm.”

During his 2014 Gubernatorial campaign, Governor Hogan pledged that communities that had been ignored and neglected would no longer be forgotten. He kept that promise and will continue to support Maryland’s rural communities, Maryland’s farmers, and preserve Maryland’s agricultural legacy.

It is time for Congress to quit playing politics with Marylanders’ livelihoods and put the farm back in the farm bill. If elected, Governor Hogan supports reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in the EBT programs. He would work with both sides to increase international trade, reduce additional regulations that hamstring farmers, and support increases in base rates for basic crops and insurance options for specialty crops.

Governor Hogan is proud of his administration’s historic investments in rural communities through Connect Maryland. By 2022, the total funding commitment to expand access rose to $400 million. These actions were backed by broad bipartisan support from the state legislature. In the Senate, Governor Hogan would bring this same leadership to the federal level to ensure universal broadband access for all Marylanders. 

The lack of transparency regarding the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) has blindsided Maryland residents who now worry about the project’s devastating impacts on their homes, farms, and communities. This project would destroy environmentally sensitive and agriculturally productive lands in Maryland. Governor Hogan was proud to restore funding towards the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation while in office and is strongly opposed to this project that threatens those lands.”

Angela Alsobrooks (D): “In recent years, Maryland farmers have faced significant challenges. From the Key Bridge collapse causing disruptions in getting products to market, to a multi-year drought and heat waves stressing crops, to coastal flooding inundating our farmland with salt, it can feel like the hits just keep coming. In the Senate, I will fight to improve access to programs and services that help farmers weather uncertainties and respond to the impacts of climate change. That starts with ensuring we act urgently to pass a new Farm Bill. 

I will also prioritize ensuring that farmers have the resources they need to not just survive, but thrive. That means ensuring rural Marylanders have access to affordable broadband. It also involves tackling the unequal access to resources and capital, which prevent minority communities from fully participating in the Ag economy. And, I will fight for federal investments in agricultural research institutions like the University of Maryland and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and increased funding and staffing for Farm Service Agency field offices to ensure the next generation of farmers have the tools they need to produce in an ever-changing economy and environment.”

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Andy Harris (R – Incumbent): “Maryland depends on agriculture for food, clothing, and thousands of jobs. Most farms in my district are small family businesses that make up the most important part of the economy in the First District. As a Member of Congress and the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, I will continue to use my position to advance critical agricultural research into threats to our poultry industry, to maintain and improve the farm safety net programs (especially crop insurance), and to assure that we have an adequate agriculture workforce.”

Blane Miller III (D): “As a Member of Congress, I am deeply committed to ensuring that Maryland’s farmers receive the support and resources they need to thrive. This is an area where Andy Harris has consistently fallen short, failing to advocate effectively for the agricultural community that is so vital to our state’s economy and heritage.

I will fight for increased funding and resources for our farmers, aiming to provide them with the latest technology and tools to navigate challenges like unpredictable weather and fluctuating markets. Farmers need more than just words—they need tangible support to help them innovate and stay competitive. I will work to streamline the process for local farms to market and sell their products, both within Maryland and across the nation, so they can reach more customers and grow their businesses.

Moreover, I believe it’s crucial to protect our natural resources, such as soil and water, which are the foundation of successful farming. By ensuring that these resources are preserved, we not only support our current farmers but also safeguard the future of agriculture for the next generation.

My approach is driven by a genuine respect for the hard work and dedication of our farmers. Unlike my opponent, I am committed to standing with our agricultural community, working tirelessly to address their needs and champion their causes. My goal is straightforward: to support our farmers in a meaningful way so they can continue to feed our communities and strengthen our economy. I believe in the importance of this work, and I am dedicated to making a real difference for Maryland’s farming families.”

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Johnny Olszewski (D): “As County Executive, I’m extremely proud to have created the office of Agriculture within the Department of Economic and Workforce Development, formally established the Baltimore County Agriculture Advisory Board, and to have invested record funding toward agricultural preservation efforts. Our efforts have helped to guide County government as it seeks to support, promote, and market agriculture, strengthen industry workforce pipelines, increase public awareness, and help drive a data-informed long-term strategy on matters pertaining to agriculture.

As a member of Congress, I will work to strengthen and grow agriculture across Maryland by supporting policies that provide farmers with the resources and tools they need to thrive. This includes advocating for efficient farming practices, ensuring access to federal grants and loans, and expanding programs that promote local produce and seafood. Additionally, I will promote workforce development programs to attract the next generation of farmers and agricultural workers, and push for fair trade policies that benefit Maryland’s farmers.”

Kim Klacik (R): “As a member of the United States Congress, I will work in a bipartisan way to protect our farm lands and food supply from communist China, Russia, and any foreign threat to our food supply.

Rising energy costs have only made matters worse for our farmers. Here in Maryland, I strongly oppose the power line project & will stand in solidarity with local officials to make sure Maryland Piedmont Reliability finds an alternative to their proposed project.”

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Sarah Elfreth (D): “As State Senator, Sarah has led on some of the most challenging issues faced in the agricultural industry by bringing farmers, legislators, State agencies, and local leaders to the table to develop strategies for success. Thanks to the coalitions Sarah has built and led, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) have launched a first-of-its-kind program to connect hunters with farmers who are experiencing crop damage by deer. MDA held a collaborative event on agricultural education following discussions led by Senator Elfreth. Following the vision of Senator Elfreth’s bill SB 932 of 2024, MDA is now in the process of launching a brand new program to expand support for farmers in their environmental conservation efforts. Senator Elfreth worked for years to examine the tax structure for agricultural buildings to ensure that the new ways in which farm structures are utilized are reflected in property taxes in a way that is fair to farmers. In her work to pass the Brighter Tomorrow Act (SB 783 of 2024), Sarah fought to protect soil quality in rural solar development. In congress, Sarah will continue to work with farmers to pass meaningful legislation to protect their farmland and reduce their costs while helping them leverage value added agriculture to diversify their income streams.”

Rob Steinberger (R): 

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Glenn Ivey (D – Incumbent):

George McDermott (R): “As a candidate and as a victims rights advocate I’m extremely concerned about the disappearance of the family farmer in the state of Maryland as their properties are being stolen by lawyers and judges and foreign corporations falsifying court documents and records. I have personally advocated for one such farmer in Clinton Maryland who was involved with a very corrupt attorney in Clinton Maryland and an international organization known as TPE international whose membership is the oldest one for less than one third of its value after two years of economic emotional and legal terrorism. This man Joseph Moore was finally forced to sign papers because the American Bar Association will never represent victims of legal terrorism by his fellow board members. I have posted several videos hello yes interviews with this victim on my website, filed motions to intervene as a private attorney general on his behalf

If elected and even if I am not elected I will continue to fight the rights of farmers such as Joseph Moore and stop this illegal theft of US soil by foreign corporations and their thieving lying lawyers, insider judges, and states attorneys office and police officers who will not allow them to file complaints involving theft of millions of dollars Joseph story is posted in secretjustice.com at the following programs currently.”

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Steny Hoyer (D – Incumbent):

Michelle Talkington (R):

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

April McClain-Delaney (D): “As a farmer’s daughter, I know our farming communities are essential to Maryland’s economy, culture, and way of life. Agriculture is more than just an industry — it sustains our families, strengthens local economies, and connects us to the land. I’m committed to ensuring Maryland’s farmers have the resources they need to thrive, from affordable credit to grants that help them invest in the tools and technologies necessary for growth. By strengthening direct sales at farmers’ markets and fostering partnerships with local businesses and schools, we can improve access to fresh, high-quality foods while supporting our local farmers.

The future of farming depends on passing a comprehensive farm bill that addresses key issues like food security, climate resilience, and American supply chains. We must ensure the next generation can carry on our proud farming traditions. With smart investments, bold ideas, and unwavering support, I believe our farming communities will continue to flourish, benefiting not just their families but the entire state of Maryland.”

Neil Parrott (R): “Our country depends on our farmers, and our farmers should be able to depend on our country. Our federal and state laws should reflect this understanding and seek to both protect and help our farmers.  As a Maryland State Delegate for 12 years, I consistently voted against bills that would hurt our farming families.  Over the years I saw and heard firsthand how certain environmental bills passed in Annapolis negatively impacted my farming friends and neighbors.  Most families are struggling to make ends meet under the current economy, and farmers are no exception.  As a Congressman, I will continue seeking to understand the unique challenges and strengths of our farmers, and I hope to count on the Maryland Farm Bureau as a timely source of information.  As a Farm Bureau member and a small business owner, you can be sure that I will be a voice for our farmers who are small business owners themselves.  

Currently, in Maryland, our farmers are facing the imposition of the MPRP program which threatens to divide farmlands and damage farming resources.  I have publicly stated my opposition to this program.  I am an engineer by trade, and I believe that there are other, more practical solutions to this problem that would not impact our environment or our families so negatively.  My civil engineering background provides a natural inclination towards protecting our environment while not sacrificing the livelihood of those involved in producing the food and products to feed and clothe our families. Having raised my family in a farming community, I also intend to support agricultural education for all children so that future generations will continue to value our farms and farming resources.”

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Kweisi Mfume (D):

Scott Collier (R):

As a Member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

Jamie Raskin (D – Incumbent):

Cheryl Riley (R): “Agriculture is at the heart of the economy. If elected, I would work to support policies that help farmers in Maryland feed this country, ensure a reliable food supply, and pave the way for the farmers of tomorrow.”