Calling All Beginning Farmers in Maryland

U.S. Senators from Maryland, Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski have announced that the University of Maryland College Park has been awarded an $845,850 grant through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for their Maryland Collaborative for Beginning Farmer Success program.

So what does this mean for you?  As beginning farmers, there is now even more help for you to learn about and establish successful farms.  The Maryland Collaborative program has four objectives set to reach their goal of preparing beginning farmers just like you for a successful agricultural career.

1. UMD Extension educators will develop a curriculum for new farmers to encourage and enhance their interest and comprehension of the field.
2. The program will offer workshops that bridge the gap between exploring the career to on-farm apprenticeships and mentorship.  It aims to increase the practical knowledge and skills of beginning farmers so they can make informed decision about what types of farming is practical for their resources, abilities and location.
3. To expand upon an existing new farmer training program managed by Future Harvest – a Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, to provide practical, hands-on training for beginning farmers who will work on farms.
4. To ensure long-term success through continued support.

Mikulski says, “Maryland’s number one industry is agriculture.  This grant invests in our students by giving them the tools necessary to succeed in the field.”  So, calling all beginning farmers in Maryland…be sure to take advantage of this grant money and learning experience.

Virginia recognizes pesticide safety award winners

Three recipients or teams have been awarded by two Virginia bodies for their involvement in the 2010 Pesticide Safety Education Program, according to a press release.

Recognized by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board, the awards went to agents, an individual and a team. The Soil Fumigation Outreach and Education Series Team, which consists of Southside- and Tidewater-area agents, captured first place.

The second-place award went to Robert Jones of Charlotte County for his development of a training program for high school students to explore careers as registered technicians. A Lynchburg and Appomattox County team captured the third-place award for developing programs to train and recertify pesticide applicators.

The top award went to the team of agents who extended efforts to a community of growers that is seeing the onset of changes in labeling information for some pesticide products used in operations.

"There is no question that this is one of the most incredible work efforts and impacts we have seen over the years in pesticide safety education by Extension agents in Virginia," states nomination documents for the top team.