56th Taste of Maryland Agriculture: Maryland Agriculture Council gala draws hundreds
- jamie0370
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc., welcomed Governor Wes Moore, a strong contingent of state and local lawmakers, along with hundreds of agricultural advocates to the 56th Taste of Maryland Agriculture on Thursday, February 5, at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover.
Over 850 agricultural leaders shared their farming stories and concerns with lawmakers during the evening’s networking format, while enjoying a bounty of Maryland agricultural products.
During the evening’s program, President Robbie Miller shared an inspiring message. “My first time attending this event, I was one of the college students that helped carry a flag across the stage,” he shared. “That was also the first night I met Jim Perdue. Jim was the CEO of Perdue Farms at the time, he was in all the Perdue TV commercials, and I remember being very starstruck just to be in the same room as someone like that. But Jim was very nice, and he reminded me of an easy-going farmer just like the multiple farmers I knew back home in Cecil County. That experience inspired me to apply for a job at Perdue during my senior year of college. I am now proud to say that I have been an employee of Perdue AgriBusiness for over 16 years."
“I can personally attest to the power and importance of this event,” Miller continued. “I experienced an opportunity that was created when you bring together the types of people that are here in this room tonight.”
In fulfilling the Council’s mission to promote Maryland Agriculture and educate the public on its importance, $10,000 in agricultural education grants were awarded. Seven outstanding grassroots programs were honored, including:
Frederick Soil Conservation District - $2,000
Grant funds will purchase a Soil Health Photo Op Interactive Display to share information about soil and its importance in agriculture and the environment.
HCPS/Howard County 4-H - $2,000
Howard County Public Schools and Howard County’s 4-H program will use funds to provide educational opportunities to special education certificate students in nine schools.
Boonsboro Middle FFA - $2,000
Funds will purchase materials for “Planting the Seeds of Agriculture” kits to be used for all 2nd grade students in Washington County using a virtual format.
Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau - $1,400
The Women’s Leadership Committee will use funds to increase the number of teachers statewide participating in the MD Agricultural Education Foundation’s Ag in the Classroom training.
Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore - $1,000
Grant funds will be used for the Ag Day program, highlighting agriculture’s role through classroom lessons and a field trip for nearly 400 fifth graders to the JA Center, where vendors offer hands-on exhibits.
Baltimore County Extension - $1,000
Extension leaders will use funds for Ventures in Agriculture, a one-day educational, hands-on event designed for elementary students.
Howard County FFA - $600
Grant funds will purchase promotional and marketing tools to increase agricultural awareness.
Governor Moore and Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks inducted the Wayne McGinnis family of Baltimore County into the prestigious Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame to conclude the program.
For more information on the Maryland Agriculture Council, contact Executive Director Susan Summers at 240-446-3601.