FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jason Schellhardt, 410-841-5888

Megan Guilfoyle, 410-841-5889

Department to Host Regional Listening Sessions for Strategic Plan

Farmers and Stakeholders Encouraged to Attend, Provide Input on Direction of Industry

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 29, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is working with the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology to do develop a statewide strategic plan for Maryland agriculture. The department will host four regional meetings around the state to gain feedback and input from stakeholders to be included in the plan. These meetings are open to the general public. Farmers, watermen, producers, and agriculture leaders are encouraged to attend.

“As the department puts together a strategic plan for the entire state’s agriculture industry, it is critical that our farmers and local ag leaders have a role in this process,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joseph Bartenfelder. “We want this plan to be inclusive of all sectors of our industry, and I encourage all those involved in Maryland agriculture to attend one of these four meetings around the state.”

Information on the four upcoming meetings is as follows:

· Tuesday, September 17 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Charles County Soil Conservation District - 4200 Gardiner Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601

· Wednesday, September 18 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Washington County Agricultural Education Center -

7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro MD 21713-2431

· Monday, September 30 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Chesapeake College Eastern Shore Higher Education Center - 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679

· Tuesday, October 1 (7 - 9 p.m.) - Maryland State Fairgrounds Administration Building - 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

Space is limited and we encourage those who want to attend any of the regional sessions to RSVP to Lindsey Palmer at lindsey.palmer@maryland.gov or 410-841-5831 as soon as possible.

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