Governor Wes Moore Signs Executive Order to Promote Maryland's Agricultural Sector

Strategic Insights -

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed an executive order to promote the state's agricultural sector and expand economic opportunity for farmers. The order revises and expands the Governor's Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture, aiming to increase collaboration and promote business-friendly practices in the industry. This move is seen as a significant step towards supporting Maryland's farmers, who are crucial to the state's economy. The executive order adds six agencies to the commission, doubling its size, and tasks the Maryland Department of Agriculture to lead a whole-of-government approach to reduce regulations, promote agricultural literacy, and create economic opportunities for farmers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The executive order revises and expands the Governor's Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture, with a focus on promoting collaboration and business-friendly practices.
  • The commission will now include six additional agencies, doubling its size, to address issues such as soil health, food production, and agritourism.
  • The executive order directs the Maryland Department of Agriculture to lead a whole-of-government approach to reduce regulations, promote agricultural literacy, and create economic opportunities for Maryland farmers.
  • The governor was joined by agriculture industry leaders and officials from various state agencies, including the Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary, Kevin Atticks, and the Maryland Secretary of State, Susan Lee.
  • The executive order is part of Governor Moore's efforts to support Maryland's agricultural sector, including the introduction and signing of the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, which included provisions to drive collaboration across the agricultural sector.

Statistics:

  • The commission will now include 12 agencies working together to support Maryland's agricultural sector.
  • The executive order aims to reduce regulations and promote agricultural literacy to create economic opportunities for Maryland farmers.
  • The governor's administration has protected over 360,000 acres of farmland in the first year of the Moore-Miller Administration.
  • The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act includes provisions to drive collaboration across the agricultural sector.

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of Maryland
  • Maryland Department of Agriculture
  • Maryland Department of State Planning
  • Maryland Department of Environment
  • University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science