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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: 

Members (Ex Officio)
Member Departments Secretary Designee
Department of Agriculture
Kevin Atticks
 (Chair) 
Steve Connelly
Department of CommerceKevin Anderson
Ulyana Desiderio 
Department of the EnvironmentSerena Mcllwain
Suzanne Dorsey
Department of Health
Laura Herrera Scott
Vacant 
Department of Natural ResourcesJosh Kurtz
Vacant 
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 
Maryland Association of County Health Officials
Craig Umbel
Maryland Association of County Planning Officials
Vacant
MARBIDCOSteve McHenry
Maryland Association of CountiesVacant 
Maryland Farm BureauVacant 
Maryland Municipal LeagueVacant
Rural Maryland Council
Vacant 


General Public Members
Organization Member
Maryland Agricultural Education FoundationSusanne Richards
Horizon Farm Credit
Vacant 
Garrett County Maryland Economic DevelopmentVacant 
Washington County Department of Business DevelopmentVacant 
Anne Arundel Economic Development CorporationVacant 
Perdue Farms Inc.            
Vacant 
Vacant 

Vacant 
Vacant 

Vacant 

​​​Primary Contact

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