Statutory Authority: 2-201-205 of the Maryland Annotated Code.
Vision and Mission:
Formulate and make proposals for the advancement of Maryland agriculture by serving as an advisory body to the Secretary on matters pertaining to agriculture.
Primary Function:
The Maryland Agriculture Commission is appointed by the Governor of Maryland and serves as an advisory body to the secretary and deputy secretary of agriculture. The commission consists of 30 members representing various commodities across Maryland, and includes both a consumer and a University of Maryland (ex officio) representative.
The commission currently pursues the following priorities and activities
- Encouraging the agricultural community to be more pro-active on issues affecting agriculture and rural life.
- Evaluating farm/agriculture industry labor and regulations.
- Increasing public awareness of food safety.
- Supporting the department's efforts to promote agriculture.
Members:
Each member is appointed to a three-year term, and is eligible to serve two consecutive terms. Members are chosen to represents various agricultural sectors including dairy, food processing, turf, farm market, agirtourism, etc.
Meeting Schedule:
The Commission meets on the second Wednesday of January, March, June, September, and December. The Committee's of the Commission meet in February, April, August, and November.
The Commission conducts spring farm tours in May and fall tours in October, educating members on different agricultural operations across the state and elevating regional challenges and successes to the Commission's attention. All 23 counties and Baltimore City host the Commission within a 5-year schedule.
Primary Contact for the Public:
Harrison Palmer
Executive Secretary of the Maryland Agricultural Commission
Office: 410-841-5882
Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Strategic Plan for the Maryland Agricultural Commission- Updated June 2024
Meeting Minutes:
Minutes from earlier meetings are available by request
Meeting Presentations and Documents:
