Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc.
The Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc. was founded in 1970 with a mission to promote Maryland agriculture and to educate the public on its importance. The Council is committed to ensuring and promoting a viable agriculture industry in the state under the leadership of a board of directors representing the broad scope of agriculture.
The Taste of Maryland Agriculture is the Council's annual signature event, attracting hundreds of industry leaders from across Maryland's agriculture sector to network with elected officials and promote the state's #1 commercial industry. The Council also offers a grant program to support agriculture education initiatives and works to advance annual legislative priorities.
Maryland Agriculture Council Board of Directors
The business and affairs of the Maryland Agriculture Council are managed by the Board of Directors. Directors are elected for two-year term and may succeed themselves. Directors must be members of the Council (paid attendees of the annual event) and nominations must be submitted in writing no later than 45 days prior to the Annual Meeting in April.
President Robert "Robbie" Miller**
Vice President Vanessa Finney*
Secretary Kayla Griffith*
Treasurer Henry Brandt*
Past President Faith Elliott Rossing*
Executive Director Susan G. Summers
Assistant Executive Director Gail P. Yeiser
Program Assistant Jenell McHenry
Board Members
Robert Black*
Melissa Bolyard**
Jeb Burchick**
Belinda Burrier**
Rob Cooper*
Jennifer Cross*
Kevin Donnelly*
Karen Engel*
Zach Evans*
David Gordon**
George Grillon*
Mike Harrison Jr.**
Doug Lechlider*
Grayson Middleton**
Crystal Brumme Pickett*
Joe Pippin**
Chuck Schuster**
Terrie Shank**
Kim Smith**
C. John Sullivan III*
Matt Teffeau**
Putt Willett**
Scott Youse*
* 2-year term expires 2026
** 2-year term expires 2027
2026 Legislative Priorities
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION: Food, fiber and fuel, produced by theagricultural community, are essentialto every human being. Requiringagriculture education for publicschool students from K-12 is vital toclosing this knowledge gap.
RIGHT TO FARM: Maryland farmers are under the mostrestrictive water quality regulations inthe nation.While farmers are committedto protecting natural resources andcomplying with state and federalrequirements, they must retain access toessential tools to do so effectively.
SMART LAND USE: Farmers and landowners continuefacing increased pressure fromsolar and residential developers. Abalanced approach to keep primeand productive soils should beat the forefront going forward.