Several members of the local Agriculture Commission met with the Calvert County Commissioners Tuesday, March 4 to discuss a proposed restructuring of the panel.
“Agriculture is a vibrant industry in Calvert,” said current ag commission Chairwoman Susan S. Cox. “The tobacco buyout has changed the agriculture landscape of Calvert County.”
Cox reported county farms which participated in last decade’s buyout continue to transition from growing the region’s famous cash crop and “explore new agri-businesses.”
The commission is comprised of 12 members appointed by the county commissioners—two each from the three election districts and six at-large appointees. The ag commission advises the board of county commissioners on issues affecting the farming industry in Calvert.
Cox said the current commission members believe its task can be done more efficiently if instead of meeting once a month with no mandated meeting with the county commissioners to quarterly meetings, including an annual meeting with the commissioners.
Changes in the commission’s by-laws would need to be done to make this happen.
When asked by Commissioner Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. [R] what the yearly meeting format was envisioned by the commission, Cox said “we would be focusing on local issues and a summary of the year.”
“What’s wrong that you are fixing?” Commissioner Susan Shaw asked. “I feel like there’s a lack of information and I’m not sure how this is going to fix it.”
Some members of the ag commission indicated the dearth of information was a result of a lack of communication between the agriculture community and county government officials.
“You need the feedback on a regular basis,” said commission member Craig Mask, who observed county government has often proposed zoning regulations that stifle the economic viability of agriculture-related businesses. He pointed out farmland owners have to pay bills and taxes, too. “We need to be allowed to do things to make this money,” said Mask. He asked the commissioners to consider keeping the ag commission in the loop when proposals that could have an impact on farmers and agribusiness come up for discussion. “Ask if the ag commission has seen this,” he said.
“We have lots of small farms and there’s strength when they join together,” said former county commissioner and current ag commission member Barbara Stinnett, adding that county government needs to recognize the smaller farm operations.
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