Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance spoke at March 15 event
EASTON, Md. (March 15, 2012) – Farmers, growers, watermen, agri-business representatives and scientists from across the Eastern Shore of Maryland came together for a forum today that addressed issues facing the agriculture and aquaculture industries on the Mid/Upper Shore. TEDCO hosted the forum in conjunction with the USDA Agricultural Research Service; the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation; the Maryland Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Business and Economic Development; the University of Maryland Extension; and the Rural Maryland Council. Secretary Buddy Hance of the Maryland Department of Agriculture provided opening remarks.
“Agriculture on the Eastern Shore is a critical part of our state’s economy – providing jobs and high quality food. I have been proud to support traditional agriculture while recognizing the need for modernization and innovation to ensure the viability of aquaculture and farming for decades to come,” said U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski. “This forum, and others like it across Maryland, can make a difference by providing an opportunity to learn new and better techniques so farmers can become more efficient, stay competitive, and grow.”
“The Eastern Shore enjoys a rich tradition of agriculture, but changes in the environment and technology mean that some agri-businesses need to get up to speed,” said Secretary Buddy Hance. “Today’s forum provided local farmers, growers and oystermen a chance to hear about creative ways to implement new technologies and seek funding.”
The forum featured two tracks, providing attendees the opportunity to learn about best practices in both agriculture and oyster aquaculture. The agriculture track offered sessions on the latest greenhouse technologies, successful new methods being used in aquaculture and aquaponics, and water management and irrigation. The oyster aquaculture track addressed oyster growing training programs, examples of successful oyster growing methods, strategies for maximizing oyster value and a discussion of current problems facing the oyster aquaculture industry. Both tracks also offered sessions with extensive information on funding. During lunch, attendees had the opportunity to network directly with the scientists and speakers.
This forum was the fifth and final in a series through TEDCO’s Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBI2). RBI2 is designed to enhance technology commercialization activities and provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies in rural Maryland. Other forums were held in Western Maryland, Southern Maryland, Northeastern Maryland and the Lower Shore.
“TEDCO recognizes the great economic development potential of Maryland’s agriculture and aquaculture industries. Today’s forum provided local farmers and oystermen with tools and strategies they can use to enhance their businesses,” said Rob Rosenbaum, president and executive director of TEDCO. “TEDCO looks forward to supporting the community and watching it grow as it implements the latest agriculture and aquaculture practices.”
The Maryland Rural Agriculture and Business Innovation Forum was funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on nondiscriminatory basis.