Governor O'Malley Inducts Two Farm Families into Maryland's Agriculture Hall of Fame
Presents first-ever Smart, Green and Growing Awards
GLEN BURNIE, MD (February 4, 2010) –Governor Martin O’Malley today joined more than 800 agricultural leaders and legislators from across the State to induct two farming families into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. John A. Prouty & Family of Calvert County and Mehrle H. & Thelma Ramsburg Jr. of Frederick County became the 38th and 39th recipients of the prestigious recognition during the annual Maryland Agriculture Dinner at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie. The first-ever Smart, Green and Growing Awards were also presented during the event. Department of Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance joined Governor O’Malley during the presentations.
“It is my honor to stand beside the Proutys and the Ramsburgs tonight to recognize their outstanding accomplishments, commitment and contributions to agriculture, family, resource conservation and community,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “In honoring these two families, who represent more than a century of farming in Maryland, we also honor the dedication and hard work of every farmer in this state. We count on their continued partnership as together we shape a more sustainable agriculture to keep Maryland smart, green and growing.”
“All of Maryland agriculture has benefited from the contributions of the Prouty and Ramsburg families, and we are honored to welcome them into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Buddy Hance. “Through their efforts, both families have made significant accomplishments to advance agriculture, support their communities, preserve farmland, protect the environment and encourage young people to get involved in farming.”
During his remarks this evening, Governor O’Malley focused on the outstanding leadership, stewardship and accomplishments of the agricultural community. He highlighted his strident efforts with the federal government to support the agriculture industry in times of economic need and to ensure fairness with federal regulations. The Governor also reiterated his support for the agricultural community through personal involvement and policy initiatives as well as his belief in the vital necessity of a thriving agricultural industry to the health of the State, its citizens, the economy and the environment.
Sponsored by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame was created in 1991 by then Governor William Donald Schaefer to honor agricultural leaders who exemplify high standards of achievement and commitment to the industry and their communities.
A complete list of the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame members is available online at: www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/aghall.pdf.
In presenting the Smart, Green and Growing Awards, Governor O’Malley commended each recipient for their commitment to the future of agriculture through outstanding environmental stewardship and through buying locally-grown farm products:
• Tony Geraci, head of the Baltimore City public school food and nutrition services received the first Smart, Green and Growing Buy Local Agricultural Challenge Award for bringing national recognition and leadership to the farm to school effort by showing that getting fresh local foods into the cafeteria can be done.
• Bill and Ann Collier, Caroline County farmers, were selected as the Smart, Green and Growing Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship Award recipients. The award honors their long-term, sustained agricultural stewardship of soil, water, air, and other natural resources in a production farm setting and their contributions to the advancement of Maryland’s agricultural industry through conservation research.
• St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District was honored as the Smart Green and Growing Outstanding Soil Conservation District of the Year for their superior level of service to the community it supports and the agricultural industry through education, outreach and technical assistance.
• Jeff and Terri King, Dorchester County farmers, received the Smart Green and Growing Soil Conservation Districts Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award for their dedication and participation in soil and water conservation activities on their farm, as well their strong conservation leadership in the agricultural community.
Because of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s preservation, promotion, regulation, education and service activities, the citizens of Maryland can expect a safe and healthy environment and food supply, fairness in the marketplace, and that agriculture remains a strong economic force in the State. Established in 1973, MDA is celebrating over 35 years of service to the citizens of Maryland.
