Baltimore County proudly unveiled its new $10 million dollar agricultural center in Cockeysville Wednesday morning. Local farmers joined land preservationists, neighbors, local and state officials in opening the new complex intended to ensure the economic future of Baltimore County's agricultural community.
"Tomorrow's agricultural methods will be profoundly different and the Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture will be leading the way for the next generation of farmers" says the President of the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council, Mike Spencer.
Baltimore County Public Schools will feel the benefits of the educational program offered in conjunction with Oregon Ridge County Park , as students learn "hands on" agricultural techniques. Training future farmers is one of the primary goals of the Center for Maryland Agriculture, so what better way than to begin teaching children as part of their educational experience ?
The 149-acre park complex is designed to ensure farming remains a viable and flourishing resource to the region. Baltimore County Council Chair John Olszewski, Sr wasn't too upset about the $10 million dollar pricetag when weighed against the long term benefits, "This facility will be a tremendous asset to our agricultural community, which historically and to this day remains an important element of our local economic base."
The county's Master Gardeners training course, open to anyone will be also be offered for adults at the new agricultural center. Each class holds twenty five students who are charged with spreading their gardening expertise amongst the community upon course completion. Check one for promoting community based agriculture ! Other courses available to the general public include: agricultural techniques, forestry management, use of pesticides/herbicides and other environmental educational programs.
In addition to housing federal, state and local farm development service agencies, the agricultural park complex will also provide meeting space for organizations like 4-H and other agricultural groups.
"Today we take another step forward by providing our farmers and agricultural businesses with a base of operations for technical assistance as well as a place where the public can broaden their understanding of the role that agriculture plays in each of our lives" said 3rd District Councilman T. Bryan McIntire.
Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown says the center will push future development in agriculture for both Baltimore County and Maryland state, "Governor O'Malley and I are proud of the partnerships that made this development possible, and together, we will continue to build a brighter, more sustainable future for the families of Baltimore County and our great State."
Funding for the project came in part from $698,000 in Baltimore County general funds, $1 million from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and $2.16 million in state and local Program Open Space funding.
Watch video of Agricultural Center Grand Opening
To view a list of 4H clubs in Baltimore County click here.
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