Maryland Manual 1994-1995

Forerunners of the Maryland Agricultural Fair
Board include societies for the promotion of agricul-
ture which flourished in Maryland, beginning in 1807
with the creation of boards of agriculture in twelve
Maryland counties (Chapter 169, Acts of 1807).
These boards were authorized to award premiums or
medals for the promotion of agriculture. Other county
societies and fair boards were created and, from time
to time, the General Assembly appropriated money to
them for agricultural fairs.
The Maryland Agricultural Fair Board was estab-
lished as the State Fair Board in 1937 (Chapter 463,
Acts of 1937). It received its present name in 1980
(Chapter 85, Acts of 1980). The Board encourages
and fosters agriculture through the promotion and
assistance of bona fide agricultural fairs and exhibits.
It extends financial assistance to qualifying organiza-
tions for premium awards to exhibitors of agricultural
displays. Annually, the Board issues Maryland Fair &
Show Schedule, available upon request.
The Board consists of nine members appointed
by the Governor to five-year terms (Code Agricul-
ture Article, secs. 10-301 through 10-303).

TOBACCO AUTHORITY
Earl F. Hance, Chairperson, 1996
Raymond E. Hutchins, Executive Secretary
(410) 841-5770

Created in 1947, the Tobacco Authority investi-
gates and studies phases of tobacco marketing or
production in the State (Chapter 61, Acts of Special
Session of 1947). The Authority provides information
about the tobacco price structure and recommends
legislation to provide more efficient handling of to-
bacco. Along with buyers and commission agencies,
the Authority has a voice in fixing marketing periods,
and it assures the accuracy of weights and measures
used by tobacco commission selling agencies. The
Authority also licenses commission agencies and pur-
chasers and collects a fee from the owners of tobacco
sold at a commission agency. To develop markets for
Maryland tobacco, a representative of the Tobacco
Authority visits manufacturers in foreign countries, as
well as in the United States.
The Authority is composed of eight members
appointed by the Governor for three-year terms.
Authorization for the Authority continues until
July 1,2001 (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 7-201
through 7-209, 7-401 through 7-418).

Vacancy, Chairperson

Contact: Desiree Mundell (410) 841-5770

The Maryland Winery and Grape Growers' Ad-
visory Board was organized in 1987 (Chapter 507,
Acts of 1987). The Board advises the Secretary of

Agriculture on the allocation of funds to promote
the production of Maryland grapes and wines.
The Board consists of nine members. Eight are
appointed to three-year terms by the Governor
upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agricul-
ture. The ninth member is the Secretary of Agricul-
ture who serves ex officio (Code Agriculture
Article, secs. 10-1001 through 10-1007).

MARKETING
Errol Small, Chief

50 Harry S Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-5770

The Marketing Services Section was reorganized
as Marketing in 1992. Marketing helps everyone in
the economy—from producer to consumer—
through the market system. Programs include pro-
jects to improve quality and enhance presentation
of agricultural commodities to the consumer; inter-
national marketing; market news and statistics serv-
ices in conjunction with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture; and a consumer marketing informa-
tion program (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 10-
101 through 10-204; 10-501 through 10-504;
10-601 through 10-606; 10-701 through 10-708;
10-801 through 10-807; 10-901 through 10-909).

The Section compiles the following publications:

Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Directory
Grain and Livestock (weekly)
Maryland Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Users Guide
Maryland Hay and Straw Directory
Maryland Retail Farmers' Market Directory
Maryland Tobacco Report (radio tape—in season)
Pick-Your-Own Fruit and Vegetable Directory
Wholesale Directory—Maryland Christinas Tree Growers

AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT &
SEAFOOD MARKETING
Bradley H. Powers, Aquaculture Coordinator

50 Harry S Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-5724

The National Aquaculture Act of 1980 set forth
the federal policy of encouraging development of
an aquaculture industry. In 1988, the Department
of Agriculture was designated to promote develop-
ment of aquaculture and coordinate State efforts in
this field (Chapter 534, Acts of 1988).
Aquaculture, in Maryland, has been defined as
an agricultural activity—the controlled cultivation
and harvest of aquatic plants and animals. Poten-
tially viable aquaculture crops in the State include
striped bass and hybrids, oysters, and soft-shell crabs.
The Office of Aquaculture Programs was estab-
lished by the Department in 1988 to coordinate the
aquaculture programs of the Department of Agri-