DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (September 21, 2022) — Five members of Maryland’s congressional delegation were named “Friend of Farm Bureau” for the 117th Congress. The American Farm Bureau Federation awards were given to Congressmen Andy Harris (District 1), Steny Hoyer (District 5), Dutch Ruppersberger (District 2), John Sarbanes (District 3), and David Trone (District 6) for their leadership and advocacy in supporting Maryland’s farmers, and food security for American consumers.

“The support of this year’s Friend of Farm Bureau recipients helps to preserve the future of family farms in Maryland, maintain our ability to produce safe and affordable food, and provide resources to assist farmers in implementing environmentally friendly practices,” said Maryland Farm Bureau President Wayne Stafford. “We are very fortunate to have elected officials in Washington, D.C., who understand and appreciate the important role agriculture plays in our nation.”

The Friend of Farm Bureau awards are presented at the end of each Congress to lawmakers based on individual voting records on Farm Bureau priority issues which, in 2021 and 2022, included emergency COVID assistance for farmers, rural broadband access, funding for infrastructure, and ocean shipping reform.

“Maryland’s farming community is the backbone of our state providing an abundant and reliable supply of food, renewable fuel, and fiber,” said Stafford. “Farm Bureau is honored to recognize these five members of Congress for their outstanding support that ensures our rural and urban agricultural communities continue to thrive.”

The Friend of Farm Bureau awards, which began in 1996, were presented during Maryland Farm Bureau’s Council of County Presidents Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

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MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 10,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit www.mdfarmbureau.com

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Amber Pearson, Director of Media Relations
Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications) 
573-268-6853  |  amber@tsncommunications.com