Stakeholders from across the Delmarva peninsula converged at the historic Tidewater Inn in Easton on November 20th for a conversation about the future of agriculture on the shore.
In the welcoming address American Farmland Trust President Andrew McElwaine discussed the growing challenges of preserving farmland. With an acre of farmland lost every minute, over 85% of farmland is at risk particularly on the edge of sprawling cities. Shifting demographics caused by generational transfers and the threat of climate change are also significant factors.
The conference consisted of a series of speakers and panels discussing trends within the forestry, poultry, produce and organics, and grain industries; innovations and policy tools to support agriculture; and food security and local markets. The final panel of the day featured a conversation moderated by radio host Marc Steiner with all 3 secretaries of agriculture from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
To view presentations from the conference, visit https://www.eslc.org/future-agriculture-presentations
The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is a participating organization in the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership.
Photo: Edwin Remsberg Photography
