Due to the need for the farmers to diversify their operations the use of roadside signs is imperative to let the public know your location and which products are available. Therefore, we support exempting such signs from the regulations governing roadside signs.
Efficient marketing programs are necessary for any successful agricultural enterprise. We urge the Governor and legislators to support the Maryland Department of Agriculture's efforts to improve marketing services. We support the “Maryland’s Best” marketing program. #02
We strongly encourage the continuance of all farmers markets. #00
We support the continued funding of the Southern Maryland Regional Farmer's Market with monies generated from cigarette tax revenue for the purpose of marketing alternative crops to tobacco.
We urge the Maryland legislature to adequately fund MDA marketing programs that serve all citizens.
We oppose legislation that attempts to prohibit roadside vending of our agricultural products.
We also urge the support of the Acres Computer Information Network to keep farmers more informed of marketing information.
We strongly encourage the Maryland Department of Economic Development to reinstate its policy of providing financial support for the promotion of agriculture commodities.
We support amending state procurement laws and regulations dealing with the bidding process to give special consideration to Maryland commodity processors.
We recommend that all grain dealersin the state of Maryland should have certified grain-testing personnel. #96
We request that samples taken for moisture tests be free and clear of foreign materials.
We support the voluntary establishment of standards for moisture discounts, which separate shrinkage, and the drying cost and which are not tied to the price paid for the grain. #96 Since the risk of illness from unpasteurized cider is no greater than the risk of illness from any other food source, we do not support any labeling of cider beyond whether or not it is pasteurized. #97
We support a viable grain export terminal in the Port of Baltimore. #01
The State of Maryland must work diligently to maintain and enhance a competitive Grain Trade Deep Water Port. We believe that the state should pursue all avenues in getting this facility reopened or relocated as soon as possible as this market is critical for the long term survival of cash grain producers in the State. #02
We support the search for and development of alternate sites to the closed Baltimore grain terminal in order to provide an effective mechanism for export of Maryland produced grain and soybeans. #03