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Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture

Vision and Mission:

The Commission shall work to promote the economic profitability of agriculture in the State by ensuring that all appropriate State agencies work in a cooperative, coordinated manner with local government and industry groups in planning, implementing, overseeing and evaluating intergovernmental initiatives related to agricultural affairs of the State.

Primary Responsibilities:
  1. Promote a clear and consistent business-friendly climate for agriculture in the State by serving as a liaison between the Governor and local governments and industry organizations;
  2. Develop an annual, coordinated intergovernmental plan for services and functions dealing with the agricultural affairs of the State;
  3. Develop procedures for identifying and assessing agricultural developments with a potential for impact on the State and on local governments;
  4. Develop and implement a consistent, systematic method for the coordination of the State's agricultural economic development activities;
  5. Develop and implement specific and measurable actions to improve the economic and regulatory climate for agriculture in the State;
  6. Make recommendations for programs and policies, if appropriate, in order to ensure that the needs and goals of the State's agricultural strategy are met and accomplished; AND
  7. Undertake the establishment of an "agricultural affairs information center" that serves as the first point of contact regarding agricultural issues impacting farmers in the State.
Members: 

Non-Voting, Member Agency
Member Departments Secretary Designee
Department of Agriculture
Kevin Atticks
 (Chair) 
Steve Connelly
Department of CommerceHarry Coker
Joe Milone 
Department of the EnvironmentSerena Mcllwain
Suzanne Dorsey/ Adam Ortiz/ Naomi Howell/ Scott Goldman
Department of Health
Dr. Meena Seshamani
Dr. Cliff Mitchell/ Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman
Department of Natural ResourcesJosh Kurtz
Paul Peditto
Department of PlanningRebecca Flora
Debbie Herr-Cornwal
University of Maryland
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Craig BeyroutyDarren Jarboe 

Member Organizations
Member Organizations Member
Maryland Agricultural Commission
Kelly Lewis 
​Public Member
​Susanne Richards
Maryland Association of County Health Officials
Vacant
Maryland Association of County Planning Officers
Jenny Dempsey​
MARBIDCOSteve McHenry
Maryland Association of Counties
Stephanie Ida Jones 
Maryland Farm BureauJo Ann Chason​
Maryland Municipal LeagueVacant
Rural Maryland Council
Vacant 
​Public Member
​Heather Bruskin
​Public Member
​Vacant
​Public Member
​Katie Stevens
​Public Member
​Ashley Drakeford
​Public Member
​Megan Todd, Esq.
​Public Member
​Alice Chalmers
​Public Member
​Jessica Richards
​Public Member
​Kelly Dudeck
​Secretary of Agriculture
​Kevin Atticks, Chair​


Meeting Schedule:

The Commission meets approximately twice a year.

Meeting Date​

Full / Subcommittee

4/23/2025

GICA

5/8/2025

Subcommittees

7/17/2025

Subcommittees

8/7/2025

GICA

9/4/2025

Subcommittees

11/6/2025

Subcommittees

12/4/2025

GICA


















April 2025 

December 5, 2024 Subcommittee meetings
Education, Labor and Development Subcommittee

Environment and Natural Resources Subcommittee

Agritourism and Value Added Agriculture Subcommittee Meeting
October 2024

June 2024

June 2021



June 2020

June 2019
Agenda





​​​Primary Contact

Rachel Jones
Director of Legislation & Government Relations
Phone: (410) 841-5886
Email: rachel.jones2@maryland.gov