Did you know? Maryland has 12,834 farms, according to the latest census figures that measure agriculture. I should also mention women are the cheif operators of more than 2,100, or 17 percent of them.
What: Howard County Economic Development Authority presents Central Women in Agriculture Forum for women in agriculture. The purpose of the professional development forum is to explore the challenges and issues faced by women in the agricultural industry. You should know Howard County has 335 farms and women are principal operators of 28 percent, or close to 94 farms. Checkout a tentative schedule of the topics to be discussed during the daylong session below:
- What are the risks to your operation?
- How and why you need GAP certification?
- Talking to the public, reporters and legislators
- Why diversify?
- Farming as a second career and marketing my products
- The next generation returning to the farm and incorporating their ideas
Speakers from the forum include Donna Pahl, Maryland Department of Agriculture; Howard County Councilwomen Courtney Watson and Mary Kay Sigaty; Leslie Hart, Washington County Economic Development Commission; and Laurie Savage, an agriculture reporter for Lancaster Farming and the Delmarva Farmer. Other participants include Mitzi Jones, Bowling Green Farm, LLC; Jeanne Dietz-Band, Many Rocks Farm; Nora Crist, Clarkland Farm and John Dove, Love Dove Farm.
Who: Open to the general public a forum targeted to women in agriculture. The cost of the forum is $35 and includes lunch and refreshments.
When: Thursday March 21, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Howard County Fairgrounds, 22120 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794
FYI: For more information about the Central Women in Agriculture Forum, contact Kathy Zimmerman at 410-313-6500 or visit www.hceda.org.
