Farms for the Future: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission Releases 2009 Report

Posted by chris on February 17, 2009

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) has just released “Farms for the Future: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission 2009 Report,” a comprehensive account of the commission’s multi-pronged strategy to support local farmers as they transition away from tobacco into sustainable, economically viable agricultural alternatives.

The report outlines the creation of the commission, which was established in 2000 (in conjunction with Maryland’s Tobacco Transition Program), to support transitioning farmers and promote agricultural land preservation.

“We are proud to say that as of 2009, SMADC has aided many more than the original 900 former tobacco farms and helped preserve more than 22,000 acres of agricultural land, forests and wetlands in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties, the state’s main tobacco transition region,” said Dr. Christine L. Bergmark, executive director of SMADC. “This report examines what we have accomplished so far, and gives some insight on what remains to be done. We hope it may even serve as a roadmap to other areas facing these same challenges.”

The 44-page booklet offers in-depth analysis of SMADC’s role in the region’s efforts to build a strong, tobacco-free agricultural economy, beginning with the commission’s basic agribusiness development and research procedures, which have included forums, feasibility studies and research grants.

SMADC’s strategies to address the needs of the area’s transitioning farmers include ongoing education (seminars, training, consulting), farm grants, branding and marketing support. The report also describes specific programs created by SMADC to encourage the public to support local farms (the Southern Maryland Trails, Annual Buy Local Challenge campaign and the So. Maryland, So Good branding campaign) and tools designed to assist consumers in finding the farms that fit their needs, including a comprehensive farm directory and mini-guides like “Farms for the Holidays” and the “Southern Maryland Equine Guide.”

SMADC has also developed an education component for grade school children featuring “Cornelia and the Farm Band,” a group of cartoon characters who teach youngsters about the value of farms. The Cornelia characters, which are featured in short videos and coloring books, are now being formulated and packaged for use in area classrooms.

In addition to examining SMADC’s programs and procedures, the 2009 Report offers insights from dozens of Southern Marylanders on the transition process and the impact of SMADC’s tools, programs and support.

According to Franklin Robinson Jr. of Serenity Farm in Benedict, “SMADC has had a profound effect on agriculture in Southern Maryland. Not only have they administered the tobacco buyout program, they have created a Southern Maryland “brand” for the region. Through their excellently produced Trails books and farm guides, our business has increased, and dollars that would normally be spent on advertising can go to more pressing farm needs.”

“Ultimately, we have attempted to document the full scope of what the commission is doing to fulfill its mission,” said Bergmark. “And we also hope to underscore how crucial it is to our own health, our economy and our environment that we continue to foster agriculture in our area.”

“We hope readers will come away with a renewed commitment to buy local and support our farms. Once farmland is gone, it’s gone forever.”

To read a copy of the report or for more information on the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, including how to participate in its programs, call 301-274-1922, e-mail info@somarylandsogood.com or visit www.somarylandsogood.com.