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

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].

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SMART GROWTH LISTENING SESSIONS SCHEDULED

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:

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

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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 

Governor O’Malley Signs Key Rural Land Preservation Funding Bill (SB 662)

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.

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS LOANS AND GRANTS

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

        The five programs under which applications are being accepted are:

• Value Added Producer Grants Click for more info
• Rural Economic Development Loans
• Rural Business Opportunity Grants
• Rural Cooperative Development Grants
• Small Minority Producer Grants

Please visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/nofas/index.html for more information.

General Assembly Passes Important Ag Land Preservation Funding Bill (SB 662)

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.

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.

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.

Working Waterfront Commission Created

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.

Read the rest of the release....

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.