WASHINGTON, DC: Representatives from Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) met with their congressional leaders and staff this week to advocate for several key federal policies aimed at supporting Maryland farmers. The discussions centered on the importance of increasing farm profitability to help empower farmers and keep their land in agriculture.

“Our government can work for the good of agriculture when elected officials speak directly with their farming constituents,” said MDFB President Jamie Raley. “We greatly appreciate our Members of Congress and their staff for listening to the concerns of our members, and we remain optimistic that they will keep our farmers’ needs in mind while voting on important legislation.”

The MDFB team met with Congressman Andy Harris (MD-1) and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-6). They also spoke with staff members from the offices of Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-2), Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-3), and Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-5).

During their visit, MDFB members highlighted a range of priorities for the farming community, including:

• Labor and immigration reform.
• Including farmers in MAHA discussions.
• Prioritizing Maryland in USDA’s reorganization plans.
• Cutting red tape to maximize farm profitability.
  
  

To further these conversations, MDFB recorded an episode of their podcast, “Old Line Farmer Radio,” with Congresswoman McClain Delaney, who is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

(Watch)

“I had the privilege of meeting with the Maryland Farm Bureau to hear directly from the farmers who feed our families, care for our land, and strengthen our communities. Their work is the backbone of our state — often unseen, always essential. I’m grateful for their dedication, inspired by their resilience, and proud to stand with them in Congress to ensure Maryland agriculture thrives for generations to come,” said Rep. McClain Delaney on social media.

MDFB will continue to monitor relevant legislation in both Congress and the Maryland legislature to track its impact on Maryland agriculture. Additional photos from the visit are available on MDFB’s Facebook page.