The Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture 15th Eastern Shore Planning Conference The Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture November 20, 2014

ESLC History of Agricultural Support Agricultural Security Corridor Regional Economic Development Plan for Agriculture Rural Legacy/Land Protection

The Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture 15th Eastern Shore Planning Conference The Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture November 20, 2014

Framing Focused on 3 Areas: Supporting Emerging Ag Opportunities/Innovations Strengthening Existing Ag Building Stronger Communities Through Ag

Challenges: “Old” ag vs. “new” ag? Getting all “sides” to the table What do we highlight and what does that say about ESLC? Our vision for agriculture?

Points of Consensus from Attendees: Future of shore ag is VERY bright Together is the way forward The community & the environment are top priorities for all Chairs were hard- very hard

Attendee Self Identified Affiliation

ESPC 15 – Live Polling & Conference Overview

Conference Themes How do we support emerging agriculture? How do we strengthen today’s agriculture? How do we build stronger community through agriculture? Looking for ways we can collaborate to boost all types of agriculture

Eastern Shore Agriculture – Today and Trends Changing face of agriculture: more women and minorities Ag Challenges: new/young farmers and foresters; generational transfer, climate change, population growth, food labeling, regulations, conflict! Ag Opportunities: technology innovations, consumer interest/demand, geographic proximity to consumers, quality products, interdependence, smartest farmers in the country, optimism! Connection with Community: considerable food security issues in region; in 5 kids go to school hungry; huge potential/role for gleaning, programs like “farm to tray” and “local first”, challenge of school year and food growing season, role of anchor institutions (eds and meds)

What was Said About the Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture At core level, we all want the same thing – healthy and prosperous Eastern Shore community. (Rob Etgen, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy) We need to be focused on both the sustainability of agriculture, AND the sustainability of our relationships. (Delegate Addie Eckardt) How we manage our land contributes to the well-being of the whole community. (Andrew McElwaine, American Farmland Trust) Let me clear there is nothing wrong with being 58 – the average age of a farmer…but then the question then is: who is going to grow our food in the future? (Andrew McElwaine, American Farmland Trust)

What was Said About the Future of Eastern Shore Agriculture Establishing trust & common values are essential to our collective success: Until people know that I care, they won’t care what I know. (Bill Brown, University of Delaware Poultry Extension) There is room for everybody! In fact, we need a diversity of agricultural types to be successful. (Paul Spies, Chester River Association) Key question: Can farming on the Shore feed the hungry on the Shore? (Amanda Behrens, Johns Hopkins University)

Top Priority * Medium Priority * Low Priority PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT: Create more public educational venues for Eastern Shore agriculture, such as community gardens, school gardening programs, and community farms. GRAIN/POULTRY: Explore how we can support the profitability and sustainability of these industries (e.g., precision ag).

Top Priority * Medium Priority * Low Priority FOOD SYSTEM/HUNGER: Address food security (hunger) issues through more partnerships in agriculture. RURAL LAND PROTECTION: Ensure a strong land base for agriculture.

Top Priority * Medium Priority * Low Priority NEW FARMERS: Attract and support young/new farmers, foresters, and watermen. DISTRIBUTION: Develop new distribution networks and retail outlets that better connect farmers and watermen with customers.

Top Priority * Medium Priority * Low Priority COLLABORATION: Create venues and partnerships to build understanding among the many interests and perspectives of Eastern Shore agriculture. DIVERSIFICATION: Invest and support opportunities for farmers to diversify, such as energy innovations, tourism, specialty crops/products, etc.

Top Priority * Medium Priority * Low Priority MARKET DEVELOPMENT: Expand farm-to-plate programs in schools, hospitals, and other institutions. INNOVATION: Engage together on advancing technological innovations to boost productivity and create environmental solutions.

Success: 220+ Attendees (Goal of 165) Media: Newspaper, TV, Social Media, Radio ESLC Made History Outreach to New Audiences/Organizations

For Eastern Shore agriculture, where do we go from here?

ESLC (draft) Vision Statement for Agriculture: “Our vision for the future of Eastern Shore agriculture embraces traditional and emerging forms of agriculture, respects the region’s ecology, in particular the Chesapeake Bay, and is a good neighbor to the communities it supports.” – S. Pearce