Southern Maryland Agricultural Commission Helps Charles County Farmers Diversify
It was back in 2001 when tobacco farmers in this state began getting buyout checks as part of the Maryland Tobacco Buyout.
The buyout was aimed at farmers who committed to stop growing tobacco, yet wanted to remain in agriculture. The program offered financial and other support to farmers as they transitioned to alternative farming models.
An estimated 86 percent of Maryland’s tobacco farmers agreed to receive payments over a 10-year period, with the state paying out $77 million by the time the buyout ends. Meanwhile, the other 14 percent of Maryland’s remaining tobacco growers did not participate in the buyout, and continue to grow tobacco today.
For the 86 percent that took the buyout money, they have gone on to do other things with their land. One organization that helps farmers in this transition is the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, whose primary goal is simple: To sustain the agricultural industry in Southern Maryland.
For example, the SMADC assists farmers by devising marketing plans to brand Southern Maryland farm produce, and it also supports a grants program for the 16 local farmers’ markets throughout the region. In addition, the Commission can suggest to farmers what commodities would grow best on their land, whether it might be horticultural products, corn, soybeans, apple orchards, fine herbs or even wine grapes.
The SMADC is also involved with devising individual business plans, accessing farm grants, and providing education and consultation to help farmers branch out into new and lucrative directions. In one particular case, the SMADC worked with a group of local livestock producers and the USDA to examine the need for a local slaughter and butcher facility, and then put together a Southern Maryland meat marketing campaign.
The SMADC also produces a number of farming information guides, including a So. Maryland, So Good Farm Guide, a So. Maryland, So Good Equine Guide, a So. Maryland, So Good Agritourism Guide, and a Southern Maryland Trails guide.
