Event featured roundtable discussion on current issues critical to Lower Eastern Shore farmers
Salisbury, Md. (Dec. 2, 2010) – More than 50local farmers and growers, agricultural professionals and scientists from across the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland met today with researchers from the USDA Agricultural Research Services (USDA-ARS) and University of Maryland to discuss current issues affecting Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shoreagri-business and how those challenges can be addressed through technology and innovation. Hosted by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)and the USDA-ARS, attendees of the Maryland Rural Agriculture and Business Innovation Forum participated in a round table discussion on ornamentals, cover crops, renewable energy, litter management, green diets for poultry,and the use of probiotics.The event was held at The Fountains in Salisbury.
“We are pleased to have the Maryland Rural Agriculture and Business Innovation Forum in Salisbury. The opportunities to have issues discussed one on one with industry specialists is important to our local farmers and agri-business practitioners,” said Delegate Norman Conway.
During the one-day event, participants learned about new commercial technologies designed to improve farm operations. The group also learned how to work with USDA-ARS scientists and ways to effectively utilize the University of Maryland Agriculture Extension Service to spur business growth.Key speakers included Maryland State Delegate Norman Conway (District 38B –Wicomico and Worcester Counties) and Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt.
Highlights of the forum included an exclusive networking luncheon that allowed attendees to speak one on one with scientists from the USDA-ARS and the University System of Maryland, and presentations and case studies on how companies and farmers can utilize funding sources to bring innovation to Lower Eastern Shore.
“Farmers in Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore face unique issues and challenges that can be addressed through 21stcentury technology,” said Rob Rosenbaum, president and executive director of TEDCO. “As an organization committed to spurring innovation, TEDCO saw an opportunity to connect local farmers and growers with researchers and technology developers who can help the agricultural community access and adopt solutions needed to increase productivity and environmental efficiency.We look forward to continuing our rural technology development outreach efforts on the Eastern Shore and across the state.”
The Maryland Lower Shore Rural Agricultural and Business Innovation Forum was funded from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on nondiscriminatory basis.