MARBIDCO: Archieves

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Keedysville, MD (April 16, 2010) - Got questions about value-added processing, the regulations, and its profit potential for your farm? Get answers in the new publication, “Processing for Profits.” This publication is an assessment tool and guide for small-scale, on-farm food processors. While written with Maryland farmers in mind, any producer interested in the potential and pitfalls of on-farm and value-added food processing, will find this new resource helpful in their planning and implementation process. Click Here for entire Article.

Training for Poultry and Rabbit Certification Farmers Must Attend Seminar to Participate in the New Program

Annapolis, MD (March 31, 2010) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) in conjunction with the University of Maryland will conduct training for on-farm poultry and rabbit slaughter and processing on May 6. This one-day workshop is mandatory for producers who want to become certified to sell their poultry and/or rabbits at farmers’ markets or to restaurants and retailers in Maryland. Workshop participants will learn how to recognize diseases of public health concern, basic biosecurity measures, how to write and implement basic Standard Sanitary Operating Procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans, offal and waste water disposal. Click Here for entire Article.

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance on New Initiatives and Revised Regulations to Help Farmers with Environmental Requirements and Storm Clean-up

Annapolis, MD (March 11, 2010) – “Governor Martin O’Malley announced yesterday a number of new initiatives to help farmers meet environmental requirements and recover from the historic snow storms in February. The announcement followed a meeting on Monday with the Eastern Shore Delegation, Governor O’Malley, Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson and me.

I am pleased to provide more information about these important new developments and thank Governor O’Malley for his leadership in moving these solutions forward for the benefit of the farmers, the agricultural economy and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks also to the members of the Eastern Shore Delegation for their time, candor and flexibility in seeking solutions that will work. Click Here for entire Article.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES ACTION FOR EASTERN SHORE POULTRY FARMERS State revises regulations to assist farmers struggling to recover from record-snow

Annapolis, MD (March 10, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today new assistance for poultry farmers in Maryland, as the state works with poultry industry stakeholders to address environmental standards and recover from snow-related damage last month. Governor O’Malley met with the Eastern Shore delegation Monday evening, along with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment to discuss concerns and solutions.

“We’re working together to find solutions that protect our natural resources and strengthen family farming in our state,” said Governor O’Malley. “Maryland farmers serve as stewards of the environment by protecting land that might otherwise be developed. It’s our obligation to find way we can continue to protect the environment while keeping family farming profitable. I’m pleased we’re able to come together on these actions to support our family farms and the jobs that support them.” Click Here for entire Article.

Annapolis, MD (March 5, 2010) - MARBIDCO, working with its partners at the Maryland Energy Administration and Ensave (a private farm energy audits company), may be able to assist farmers wishing to rebuild poultry houses and dairy barns that were destroyed by the recent snow storms. Unsecured loans of up to $15,000 are available at favorable interest rates if farm operation energy savings can be calculated from the destroyed chicken house or barn versus what is planned for the reconstructed facility. Cash incentives, energy audits and technical assistance may also be available directly from EnSave, Maryland's farm energy efficiency service provider.

For more information please contact Corey Conant at EnSave (1-800-732-1399), or Kristen Robinson at MARBIDCO (410-267-6807).

Other federal and state programs may also be available to help producers trying to recover from the recent back-to-back snow storms. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has prepared a comprehensive guide of the resources that are available. Please click here for more information.

State Agriculture Officials Announce Record Conservation Efforts by Farmers in 2009

Annapolis, MD (February 23, 2010) –The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has released its 2009 annual report highlighting the 25th anniversary of the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program in helping Maryland farmers do their part to protect water quality in the streams and rivers that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Funded through a mix of capital resources and user fee-based programs—including the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund, MACS provides grants to farmers who install best management practices (BMPs) on their property to protect natural resources on their property.

According to the report, during its fledgling year in 1984, MACS provided Maryland farmers with $434,000 in grants to install roughly 130 conservation projects on their farms. Twenty-five years later in 2009, MACS provided Maryland farmers with a record $19 million in conservation grants to install 2,370 capital and special projects on their farms to control soil erosion, manage nutrients and protect water quality in streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. “Farmers who received MACS grants over the last 25 years invested more than $14 million of their own money into these conservation projects and agree to shoulder additional maintenance and upkeep expenses for a minimum of 10 years,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Earl F. Hance. “Such action on the part of Maryland farmers dispels the notion that conservation takes a back seat—even in tough economic times."

According to the report, in FY 2009, $10.7 million in MACS grants were used to help Maryland farmers plant 239,000 acres of cover crops statewide. MACS also helped Maryland poultry farmers transport 52,000 tons of poultry litter out of the Bay Watershed, exceeding the milestone goal by 168 percent.

To learn more about the progress and accomplishments of the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program and download copy of the 2009 annual report, visit MDA’s web site at www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/macsar09.pdf.

Annapolis, MD (October 16, 2009)…….A Rural Business Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan Fund has recently been established by the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) to help farm operations and other resource-based businesses to install equipment or make operational improvements that reduce the consumption of energy. This new “micro” loan program is being offered thanks to important financial support provided by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). This program is also designed to complement existing farm energy audit and energy efficiency incentive programs being offered by MEA, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) and MARBIDCO, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Maryland RC&D Councils, and the private technical assistance provider EnSave. Click Here for entire Article.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 9, 2009)….The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's independent agricultural producers to enter into value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG). The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide funding program with approximately $18 million available for distribution in 2009. These grant funds can be used for planning or working capital purposes in accordance with USDA regulations. Eligible purposes include determining appropriate marketing techniques and creating business plans, or paying operating costs before a business has sufficient cash flow from operations. Click Here for entire Article.

Annapolis, MD (September 1, 2009) – As a resulting of the continuing national economic recession and the negative impact that this has had on public sector revenue collections, MARBIDCO has experienced a precipitous decline in State funding since the start of this fiscal year (July 1, 2009). This situation has compelled the MARBIDCO Board of Directors to make several adjustments to various program offerings (effective immediately). Click Here for entire Article.

MARBIDCO Helps to Grow Local Food & Fiber Commerce
and Sustain Rural Working Lands in Maryland

Annapolis, MD (August 2009) - The "Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation" was established by the Maryland General Assembly not long ago to help fill a large void in business development support for the State's farming, forestry and seafood industries. These rural businesses (and related enterprises in urban areas) help sustain local jobs, produce a variety of healthful local foods, and provide important environmental and quality of life benefits for all citizens. MARBIDCO is charged with helping food/fiber producers and processors to make innovations or expand their business operations, exploit new market opportunities, as well as help preserve rural working farm and forest land. In addition, MARBIDCO is particularly focused on assisting the next generation of farmers and producers with getting started in business in a sustainable fashion. The Corporation began operating in April 2007 and today employs a small team of knowledgeable and experienced rural economic development, credit underwriting, and loan servicing personnel.

In order to effectively undertake its mission, MARBIDCO collaborates with a variety of public and private sector service providers -- from commercial banks and farm credit associations, to county extension agents and USDA officials, to State and county economic development offices and other agencies involved in promoting sustainable agriculture, energy, and natural resources. MARBIDCO essentially functions as a resource hub which is able to create or otherwise take full advantage of leveraging opportunities for dispensing capital and credit, as well as information exchange and referral. During the Corporation’s first two years in operation, it made rural business investments totaling almost $6 million in 70 projects located in 16 counties, and leveraged some $13 million in private commercial lender capital in the process. MARBIDCO has also helped more than a dozen young or beginning farmers buy their first farms or expand their business operations.

Core Rural (and non-rural) Business Development – In this category are several loan and grant financing programs that are funded as a result of the enactment of the landmark Agricultural Stewardship Act of 2006. MARBIDCO's loan and grant programs are tailored to meet key ag, forestry or seafood business investment needs. Loans that are made in this category can typically be used for land purchases, facilities construction or renovation, equipment acquisition or working capital. Loans can range from $10K to $350K, depending on the program, and all are required to be fully collateralized. The Corporation's grant programs have assisted with family farm viability planning, helped producers with partial matching funds for energy efficiency and value added projects, and provided local governments with matching economic development cost share funds.

Rural Land Preservation Facilitation – In this category are programs that are funded from "special funds" (such as agricultural land transfer taxes), or that are offered in conjunction with other agencies with MARBIDCO serving as a conduit financing agent. This includes a new "installment purchase agreements" program that MARBIDCO is offering with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation to assist with purchasing agricultural land conservation easements. A Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program (a combination young farmer land purchase assistance/land preservation program) is also planned. In addition, MARBIDCO is currently exploring with a county land preservation office the possibility of partially financing its local critical farms program through the use of "Aggie Bonds" (tax exempt private activity bonds).

Higher Risk or Micro-Credit Lending – In this category are loan programs that are funded by partnering organizations for targeted purposes, such as the new Farm Energy Efficiency Loan Program (which is being offered with the support of the Maryland Energy Administration using regional greenhouse gas initiative funds). A shellfish aquaculture loan program is also currently being contemplated to help sustain seafood commerce and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The loans that are made in this category can be for smaller amounts, and are generally made on an unsecured basis.

MARBIDCO Launches a New Rural Business Energy Efficiency “Micro” Loan Fund

Annapolis, MD (July 10, 2009) - A Rural Business Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to help agricultural operations and other resource-based businesses to install equipment or make operational improvements that reduce the consumption of energy. This new “micro” loan program is being offered thanks to important financial support provided by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). This program is also designed to complement an existing farm energy efficiency incentive program being offered by MEA, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) and MARBIDCO, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Maryland RC&D Councils, and the private technical assistance provider EnSave.

“This new micro loan program facilitates the purchase and installation of equipment or technology related to lowering business-related energy consumption by providing timely and below-market-rate financial assistance to agricultural producers and processors,” explains MARBIDCO Executive Director Steve McHenry. “The goal of this program is to help rural businesses to significantly reduce their energy consumption while at the same time helping to increase profitability over the long term.” Click here for entire article.

Richmond, VT (June 22, 2009) - A new program is now available for all agricultural producers in Maryland. The Maryland Statewide Farm Energy Audit Program is funded by the Maryland Energy Administration, and administered by Eastern Shore Resource Conservation & Development Council and EnSave, Inc. Other program partners include USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Rural Development, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Maryland Agriculture and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, and Washington County Soil Conservation District.

This program will help farmers reduce their energy costs though farm energy audits and equipment incentives for qualifying energy saving projects. Click Here for entire Article.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 29, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced a new grant program to fund projects that solely enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program was established by the 2008 Farm Bill.

MDA has set up a competitive grant process to award these federal funds in 2009. The Department will be administering funds totaling $500,623 for the development of projects that will benefit Maryland’s existing specialty crop producers. MDA intends to fund projects that can produce the highest degree of measurable benefits to Maryland specialty crop producers in relation to each dollar spent. Grants will be issued from $25,000 to $200,000 per project in Maryland. Click here for entire article.

Maryland Value Added Producer Grants Now Available From MARBIDCO

ANNAPOLIS (May 18, 2009)….The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant funding opportunity to encourage Maryland's independent agricultural producers to enter into value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG). The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide funding program with approximately $18 million available for distribution in 2009. These grant funds can be used for planning or working capital purposes in accordance with USDA regulations. Eligible purposes include determining appropriate marketing techniques and creating business plans, or paying operating costs before a business has sufficient cash flow from operations.

MARBIDCO will make available through its Maryland Value Added Producer Grants Program (MVAPG) matching grants of up to 20% of the amount of an USDA-VAPG award to help an eligible applicant meet the non-federal financial matching requirement. A MVAPG monetary award from MARBIDCO will only be provided to an applicant that is selected to receive USDA-VAPG funding. Click here for entire article.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY APPOINTS BUDDY HANCE AS SECRETARY TO THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Roger Richardson Retires After Decades of Service to Maryland Agriculture

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 28, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the appointment of Deputy Secretary Earl “Buddy” Hance as Secretary to the Department of Agriculture, and thanked Roger Richardson for his dedicated service to the State of Maryland, and his work in the agricultural community. Roger Richardson, 75, today announced that he would retire to travel and to spend more time with his family. His last day is May 5.

“I want to thank Secretary Richardson for his service to the State of Maryland and to the agricultural community,” said Governor O’Malley. “Secretary Richardson is a lifelong farmer, has served in numerous capacities in Maryland’s agricultural community, and has been instrumental in working together with the environmental community to help build a sustainable future for Maryland.” Click here for entire article.

(February 2009) - MARBIDCO was established by the Maryland General Assembly to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the State’s agricultural and resource-based industries in order to help bolster rural economies, develop and sustain locally-produced food and fiber products, and preserve working farm and forest land. By working collaboratively with its public and private sector partners, MARBIDCO is becoming the "go to" place in Maryland to obtain rural business development assistance, including help with accessing capital and credit, business planning information and referral, and rural working lands preservation. MARBIDCO currently offers five loan programs, four grant programs and a rural land preservation program. The impact of these programs over the past 18 months has been:

$4,545,921 in total loans made.
Loan amounts of between $10,000 and $350,000 (average amount: $156,756).
Assisting with farm purchases, rural business expansion projects, planting, working capital and equipment purchases.
$10,443,760 in commercial and private lender money leveraged (Almost a 3 to 1 leverage ratio of private financing).
More than a dozen young or beginning farmers assisted.
Loan approvals for qualified borrowers have taken an average of just 19.8 days to process, credit underwrite, and obtain board approval (since February 2008).

MARBIDCO sponsored two regional rural business service provider forums in Southern Maryland and on the Eastern Shore recently, with more such events planned for the Baltimore area and Western Maryland. Commercial lenders, county/state/federal agricultural economic development officials, extension agents, and other farm/forestry/seafood service providers are invited to participate.

MARBIDCO is currently working with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) to bring an Installment Purchase Agreements Program online this winter in order to help farm owners sell agricultural easements in a tax-advantaged fashion. A Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program and a Sustainable Forestry Loan/Conservation Easement Option Purchase Program are also in the works.

Annapolis, MD (January 2009) - Phyllis E. Kilby was elected by the MARBIDCO Board of Directors recently to serve as Chair of the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation for 2009. MARBIDCO is a publicly supported rural business development organization established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2004 to help agricultural and other rural industries to prosper. Ms. Kilby, who is President of Kilby’s Inc., a family-owned and operated dairy farm and creamery in Cecil County, had served as Vice Chair since 2007. She replaces J. Robert Frazee, President and CEO of MidAtlantic Farm Credit, who had served for the past three years as MARBIDCO’s Founding Chair.

In addition to her extensive agricultural background, Ms. Kilby served two terms as a Cecil County Commissioner. During her tenure as a county commissioner, she served for three years as Chair of the Rural Maryland Council. She also served as a member of the State Task Force on Study the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation.

Working Waterfront Commission has been meeting for the last year as a result of legislation enacted by the Maryland General Assembly. The purpose of the Commission is to study and make recommendations regarding protecting and preserving Maryland's commercial seafood industry's access to public trust waters. The Commission has a diverse membership including representatives from the seafood harvesting and processing industries as well as State and local government. MARBIDCO Executive Director Steve McHenry was appointed by Governor O’Malley to chair the Commission. For more information about the Commission [click here].

Easton, MD (October 20, 2008) – For 3 years Eric and Holly Foster, owners of Chapel’s Country Creamery, have been making high quality artisan cheese from their 110 head of dairy cattle located on Chapel Road in Easton. Today, USDA Rural Development and the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) announced more than $43,000 in grant funds to help the Fosters move into the future with their cheese business and help pave the way for other farmers who want to add value to their raw milk product. Chapel’s Country Creamery was 1 of 144 grant recipients in 37 states to receive funding this year through a nationally competitive USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program.
Federal, state, and local officials joined together this morning at the Foster’s farm for the announcement of a $32,500 grant from USDA Rural Development that includes a partial matching grant from MARBIDCO in the amount of $10,833. Click here to read entire article.

(October 2008) - The Maryland Vineyard Planting Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to help meet the unique financing needs of Maryland’s rural landowners wanting to plant vineyards and develop wineries. Vines typically take 3-4 years to produce their first commercial crop, with additional years to reach full maturity. This program makes available low-interest loans that relate to the installation of new vineyards, including, the prepping of land for vineyard installation, purchase of vines, vineyard equipment and supplies. A major aim of this program is to increase the acreage of viable commercial vineyards in Maryland. Another important objective of this program is to complement the financial services offered by private commercial lenders by helping to make rural enterprise financing both available and affordable. This program is supported by the Maryland Wineries Association and the Maryland Grape Growers Association. Click Here for more information on the program.

(September 2008) - MARBIDCO congratulates four Maryland agricultural enterprises on being accepted for funding under the nationwide 2008 Value Added Producer Grant Program offered by USDA Rural Development. In recognition of this achievement, MARBIDCO is pleased to award each of these rural businesses a matching grant amounting to one-third of the federal grant under the Maryland Value Added Producer Grant Program (MVAPG). The USDA grant awards totaled $445,228 in 2008, and these funds are being matched by $148,409 from MARBIDCO. The MVAPG program is funded from resources provided by the State of Maryland thanks to the strong support of the O’Malley Administration and the Maryland General Assembly. Click here to read the entire article.

Does your business need assistance with working capital and equipment purchases?

(November 2008) - MARBIDCO offers low-interest loans to qualified food and fiber producers!

The Rural Business Working Capital Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to help meet the unique financing needs of Maryland’s rural businesses including farm, forestry and seafood operations. This program, working in collaboration with USDA Rural Development and commercial lenders, makes available low-interest loans to qualified applicants for working capital and equipment purchases. The maximum loan amount is $50,000, and a commercial lender must provide a letter of referral.

Call MARBIDCO today to see if this or one of our other
rural business assistance programs can assist you!

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 10, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced it is seeking nominations to be appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley for the Young Farmers Advisory Board from Southern Maryland to represent the general public.

Potential candidates must be a Maryland resident under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the three-year appointed term; derive at least 50 percent of his/her personnel income from farming or agricultural activities in the state; and be interested in the preservation and development of agriculture.

The primary function of the Board is to:
1. Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in the state and make recommendations to the Maryland Agriculture Commission, and
2. Communicate to the general public, the Federal government, the State government, and Maryland Agriculture Commission the importance of young and beginning farmers to agriculture in the State.

The 12-member Maryland Young Farmers Advisory Board serves to promote Agriculture as a positive contributor to Maryland’s economy, environment, and scenic landscape; and to make recommendations related to economic development and policy issues that will assist young and beginning farmers, and other related businesses in creating and continuing profitable Agriculture throughout the State.

Farm and Producer Viability "Grant Assistance" Availability Announced - Application Deadline is September 18

(September 2008) - Member of the farm and rural business community should be advised of the upcoming application deadline for the 2008 Maryland Farm and Producer Viability Program -- Thursday, September 18, 2008. The Farm and Producer Viability Program is designed to improve the financial viability of producers and processors or otherwise assist fledgling rural entrepreneurs through specialized business planning assistance. The aim of the program is to help early stage enterprises with operational and market risk assessment and with enhanced business plan development, after an initial basic business plan has been developed by the business owner.

Rural businesses that are selected to participate in the Viability Program can expect to be ready to improve the economic competitiveness of their agricultural or other rural enterprises and to be better prepared to receive financial assistance from commercial lenders and other providers of capital and credit. Farmers and other rural business owners participating in this program receive specialized business consulting assistance with the goal of increasing start-up and growth rates, while reducing failure rates, thereby helping to sustain and create jobs in both rural and non-rural areas of Maryland. The program also strives to increase the profitability of agricultural operations and other resource-based businesses which contributes to the retention of rural working lands across the State.

The Maryland Farm and Producer Viability Program is offered annually, and the business projects selected may be located anywhere in the State of Maryland. A review panel made up of rural business experts will select up to four business projects to receive assistance under this program. The help offered under this program may ultimately be provided by academic experts, State or local agency professionals, and/or private consultants, as may be appropriate. For more information please [click here].

(August 2008) - The Task Force on the Future for Growth and Development, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Planning, has scheduled six "Listening Sessions" in September. This is an opportunity for local government officials and interested citizens to share thoughts about growth in Maryland, and specifically about development in and around their communities. Ideas shared at these sessions will help shape the Maryland State Development Plan. Dates and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 p.m. at Wicomico High School Auditorium, Salisbury
Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 p.m. at Queen Anne's County High School, Centerville
Thursday, September 18, 6:30 p.m. at James Blake High School, Silver Spring
Tuesday, September 23 6:30 p.m. at Southern Maryland Electrical Cooperative, Hughesville
Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 p.m. at Milford Mill Academy, Randallstown
Thursday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. at Bridge of Life Church, Hagerstown

For more information, please visit the Maryland Department of Planning website at: www.mdp.state.md.us.

FIRST LADY O'MALLEY KICKS OFF FARMERS' MARKET WEEK CELEBRATION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Aug. 3, 2008) - First Lady Katie O'Malley today joined County Executive John R. Leopold and Agriculture Department Secretary Roger Richardson at an event to kick off National and Maryland Farmers' Market Week (Aug. 3-9). Governor O'Malley designated this special week to encourage consumers to support Maryland agriculture and visit a farmers' market in their area. The Westfield Annapolis Farmers' Market event included entertainment and cooking demonstrations.

"I am proud to officially kick off the National and Maryland Farmers' Market Week," said First Lady Katie O'Malley. "Buying locally-grown products strengthens our local economies and the health of our environment and our families, and also keeps land open and productive. Farmers' markets are increasingly popular sources of farm-fresh, locally-grown, nutritious produce in towns across the state and the nation."

Maryland's farmers are now offering their freshest products at farmers' markets across the state. Every county in Maryland and Baltimore City boasts at least one farmers' market for a total of 84 markets where consumers can buy affordable farm-fresh, locally-grown, healthy produce, plants and baked goods.

"Farmers' markets provide an important source of income for farmers as more and more consumers seek the freshness, quality, and wide selection of locally-grown produce," said Secretary Richardson. "They also serve as integral links between urban, suburban and rural communities. By talking one-on-one with farmers, consumers can learn about fresh produce including preparation and storage tips. Consumers also develop a bond of trust in the integrity and accountability of our growers."

The number of farmers' markets in the United States has grown dramatically in recent years, prompting local, regional and national advocates of local farming to designate a week each year to highlight their benefits. The increased popularity of farmers' markets spurred growth in Maryland from 20 markets in 1991 to 84 markets this year.

"'Buying Locally' will help families eat healthfully with the freshest ingredients, will support local farmers and jobs, and will strengthen our economy," said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.

In addition to their economic importance, farmers' markets are popular community meeting places where residents catch up with each other and purchase fresh, nutritious, locally-produced fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other food products. In Maryland, 69 out of 84 farmers' markets are authorized to participate in WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program so that qualified women, children, and seniors have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs.

For a list of farmers' markets in Maryland, visit www.mda.state.md.us or call 410-841-5770. Share your experiences with shopping at farmers' markets at http://buylocalchallenge/blogspot.com.

Governor O’Malley Kicks-Off “Buy Local Week,” July 19-27
Challenges all Marylanders to buy and eat local food each day

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 18, 2008) – With a backdrop of farm-raised foods from Maryland cooked on the grill and enjoyed by guests of Government House, Governor Martin O’Malley challenged all Marylanders to include at least one locally-grown item in their meals each day next week. Governor O’Malley has designated July 19-27 as “Buy Local Week” in Maryland to raise awareness about the benefits of local farms and food and make the use of fresh, local products more familiar and more frequent to consumers. To kick off the event, several local farmers and “Buy Local” advocates were invited to a traditional Maryland cookout on the front lawn of Government House in Annapolis, with food donated by Maryland farmers, watermen, and companies.
“Maryland farmers produce some of the best fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses available and I ask each Marylander to join us as we try to incorporate at least one local product into our meals each day next week,” said Governor O’Malley. “Including local, seasonal foods in our meals helps our farmers and is beneficial in so many ways to the health of our families, environment, economy, and food security. Buying local not only means fresher, more nutritious and better-tasting food, it helps to keep farmland open and productive, strengthens our rural economies, and connects us to the source of our food.”
“Local foods are easier to find than ever,” said Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson. “Today, there are no less than 84 farmers’ markets in Maryland. Community supported agriculture farms are thriving, and grocery stores are tapping into the demand for local farm and seafood products while saving transportation costs to bring the most nutritious, great-tasting, fresh food to consumers. In addition, the number of pick-your-own operations, roadside farm stands, and on-farm markets is growing.”
The Challenge was created last year by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, has grown since into a statewide initiative
In its 2008 Policy Choices Survey, the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy found that 77 percent of Marylanders are more likely to buy produce that is identified as having been grown by a Maryland farmer. Forty-four percent say they are willing to pay at least some premium for farm products that would support Maryland farmers.
To find local products and to learn more about Maryland’s Buy Local Week Challenge, visit www.marylandsbest.net. Sources of local seafood can be found at www.marylandseafood.org

On May 22, 2008, Governor Martin O’Malley signed an important piece of rural land preservation legislation into law, with the bill’s primary sponsor, Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton, and a number of leaders from the agricultural community witnessing the event in Annapolis. Senate Bill 662, Agricultural Land Transfer Tax - Rates and Distribution of Revenue, which was passed on the final night of the legislative session, had garnered broad bi-partisan support from legislators across Maryland following a concerted effort by individuals representing several agricultural and young farmers’ organizations, land preservation groups, as well as the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Beginning July 1, 2008, Senate Bill 662 imposes a 25% surcharge on the existing agricultural land transfer tax with all of the new revenues collected going to support State-side rural land preservation efforts. The ag transfer tax is only paid when farmland is taken out of agricultural use, and is typically paid by the buyer/developer. Child lots of 2 acres or less will be exempt. Senate Bill 662 is expected to generate an additional $2-3 million for State agricultural land preservation programs during FY 2009, and in a robust economy the net effect of SB 662 could generate has much as $6 million annually in new rural land preservation funding.

Amendments adopted to SB 662 have the effect the tying the new revenues generated as a result of the surcharge authorized in SB 662 to funding the Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program to be offered by MARBIDCO beginning this coming fall. The Next Generation Program is a strategically important program for the long-term viability of agriculture in Maryland, and it was authorized – but not funded – in the landmark Agricultural Stewardship Act of 2006.

Maryland agriculture is nearing a potentially critical juncture. With an aging farmer population and skyrocketing real estate prices due to population increases and development pressure, it appears that much remaining farmland might be in danger of disappearing forever. The Young Farmers Advisory Board and other agricultural industry groups report that a major impediment to the future success of the next generation of farmers is their ability to purchase farmland at affordable prices. A partial solution to this problem is a reasonably well-financed and rapid response-type farmland easement purchase option program to help facilitate the transfer of farmland to a new generation of farmers. This new generation of agriculturalists would, in turn, help support the economies of rural communities, retain the rural working landscape, and sustain a critical mass for the agricultural industry activity in this State. An additional advantage of the Next Generation Program is that it would help permanently preserve considerable agricultural land from future development, thus providing significant open space and water/air quality benefits. As noted above, SB 662 provides important initial funding for the Next Generation Program.

Senate Bill 662 also dedicates $4 million to the MARBIDCO/MALPF Installment Purchase Agreements (IPA) Program with the flexibility for MALPF to be able to use these funds on a “leveraged” basis so that more easement purchases can be made sooner, and at a relatively lower cost. MARBIDCO will act as MALPF’s agent in facilitating the agricultural easement sale transactions through the purchase of U.S Treasury securities. However, there is no requirement that MALPF use these IPA funds in a leveraged fashion. In fact, because the IPA program is relatively new, it is anticipated that during the first couple of years a significant portion of the funds will be used on a “self-funded” basis, in effect acting as a supplement to the existing MARBIDCO/MALPF “self-funded” IPA program.

(April 2008) - USDA Rural Development has recently invited applications for five programs to support businesses and small minority producers in rural areas.

(April 2008) - With little time remaining on the last night of the 2008 Maryland General Assembly session, final approval was secured for Senate Bill 662, Agricultural Land Transfer Tax - Rates and Distribution of Revenue, sponsored by Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton. In the end, SB 662 garnered broad bi-partisan support from both urban and rural legislators, but getting this bill over the finish line required the concerted effort of several agricultural organizations, land preservation groups, and, most especially, many young farmers and their advocates around State. The Maryland Department of Agriculture lent its support to this legislative effort too, and Governor Martin O’Malley has already announced that he plans to sign SB 662 into law.

Senate Bill 662, as amended, will impose a 25% surcharge on the existing agricultural land transfer tax with all of the new revenues collected going to support State-side rural land preservation efforts. Child lots of 2 acres or less will be exempt. (The ag transfer tax is only paid when farmland is taken out of agricultural use, and is typically paid by the buyer/developer.) Senate Bill 662 is expected to generate an additional $2-3 million for State agricultural land preservation programs during FY 2009, and in a robust economy the effect of SB 662 could generate has much as $6 million annually in new rural land preservation funding.

Amendments adopted to SB 662 late in the legislative session have the effect the tying the new revenues generated as a result of the surcharge authorized in SB 662 to funding the Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program to be offered by MARBIDCO beginning this coming fall. The Next Generation Program is a strategically important program for the long-term viability of agriculture in Maryland, and it was authorized – but not funded – in the Agricultural Stewardship Act of 2006.

What are the anticipated benefits of SB 662? In FY 2009 alone, the Next Generation Program itself will help preserve approximately 400 to 550 additional acres of agricultural land, as well as help 3-4 young farm families acquire their first farms. Over the next ten years, an estimated 50 to 75 young and beginning farmers will be helped in acquiring their first farm properties with just the new resources authorized by SB 662. In addition, MALPF, by working together with the counties and MARBIDCO, will be able to preserve another 1,500 to 2,000 additional acres of farmland next year as a result of SB 662. Finally, the cumulative benefits of SB 662 over time are expected to be very substantial -- both in terms of helping to sustain profitable agriculture in Maryland as well as by helping to preserve important rural working lands for the future benefit of all citizens.

(September 2007) A Working Waterfront Commission has recently begun meeting as a result of legislation enacted during the 2007 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. The purpose of the Commission is to study and make recommendations regarding protecting and preserving Maryland's commercial seafood industry's access to public trust waters. The Commission has a diverse membership including representatives from the seafood harvesting and processing industries as well as State and local government. MARBIDCO Executive Director Steve McHenry was appointed by Governor O’Malley to chair the Commission. The next meeting of the Commission will be held on January 16 in Annapolis. For more information about the Commission [click here].

2007 Farm Drought and Weather Event Recovery Assistance Loan Fund Announced

(September 13, 2007) - 2007 Farm Drought and Weather Event Recovery Assistance Loan Fund has been established by MARBIDCO to provide special assistance to producers and other rural businesses to help manage drought or weather-related lost production and lost income challenges. This program aims to help agricultural businesses maintain viability and recover from production and revenue losses due to the 2007 drought or other weather-related event. Operating loans are available to producers that have suffered significant crop losses, livestock and feed losses, or dairy losses. Applicants may apply for this program to pay all or part of production costs associated with an adverse weather-related event and pay essential family living expenses. Loans of up to $75,000 ($150,000 if land is used as collateral security) are available.

Producers (or rural business owners) must submit appropriate evidence of financial loss due to the 2007 drought or other weather-related event. Applicants should be participating in some type of RMA-supported crop insurance coverage if it is available for a particular commodity, however, final settlement of insurance claims need not be completed prior to making an application. The deadline for all applications to be received is: Saturday, December 15, 2007.

Gov. O'Malley's FY 2008 Budget Triples Funding to MARBIDCO

(January 30, 2007) – Governor Martin O'Malley renewed his commitment to support Maryland farmers by tripling funding for MARBIDCO and supporting cover crop programs.

“As a state, Maryland must do more to keep our farmers competitive. To that end, I have proposed tripling funding to MARBIDCO to support new farmers and help rural businesses,” said Governor O'Malley.

McHenry Appointed First Executive Director

(December 2006) Stephen R. McHenry, who has led the Rural Maryland Council as its executive director since 1998, has been appointed as the first Executive Director of the newly established Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO). McHenry will assume his new duties on December 1.

MARBIDCO is a publicly-chartered corporation with a primary mission is to provide the specialized financing and business assistance services that Maryland’s farm, forestry, and seafood businesses need to achieve profitability and sustainability now and into the future. A secondary mission of MARBIDCO is to assist the State and county governments with their agricultural and forest land preservation efforts. MARBIDCO is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors.

McHenry was recently selected to serve in this position after a MARBIDCO Board Search Committee conducted an extensive search for its first full-time director. “After conducting a nationwide search and interviewing several candidates, we were unanimous in our decision that Steve McHenry was the best qualified individual to fill this position”, said MARBIDCO Board Chairman Bob Frazee, who is also CEO of MidAtlantic Farm Credit. “He’s respected in government and rural industry circles, and was instrumental in getting the Corporation organized after the General Assembly passed legislation in 2004 authorizing the creation of MARBIDCO.” Read More . . .

MARBIDCO Vice Chair Named Dairy Woman
of the Year

(August 2006) - Janet Shank Stiles, vice chair of MARBIDCO, has been named by the international dairy industry as the Dairy Woman of the Year and will be honored at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, Oct. 3-7.

Archives and Reference

2007 Farm Drought and Weather Event Recovery Assistance Loan Fund Announced

Gov. O'Malley's FY 2008 Budget Triples Funding to MARBIDCO

McHenry Appointed First Executive Director

MARBIDCO Vice Chair Named Dairy Woman of the Year

MARBIDCO Vice Chair Named Dairy Woman
of the Year