Next Thursday, July 28, farmers from Maryland and surrounding states will roll out for the Maryland Commodity Classic to learn the latest on how to talk “ag sustainability” to consumers, plus GMOs, new ag tech and the latest in crop research. It all comes together at the Queen Anne’s 4-H Park on Route 18 between Queenstown and Centreville.

The morning kicks off with a special 9:30 a.m. session to help farmers answer questions about ag sustainability. Conducted by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, the sustainability communications training reveals what consumers think are the most important elements of sustainability.

BACK WITH ‘REINFORCEMENTS’: NCGA President Chip Bowling will be back on home turf at the Maryland Commodity Classic with four other locally-grown national ag leaders.

Some 48% of consumers don’t know. But 56% say they consider the sustainability of how food is grown while they’re at the grocery store. Among foodie types, it’s even higher – 75%.

The debate about food sourcing, safety and production continues to escalate. Conflicting and controversial headlines have made consumers increasingly anxious about food decisions for themselves and their families. Mid-Atlantic farmers and food produces are on the front line of this issue, and need to have good answers.

Pre-registration for this session is encouraged. Call (410) 956-5771 or email Lynne Hoot at lynne.mdag@gmailcom .

The rest of the show
Commercial and educational exhibits and displays will open at 10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., a research update on grain and soybean checkoff funded research will be held. After lunch on the grounds, the afternoon program begins at 1:00 p.m., with a short business meeting.

* It’ll be followed by a rare, perhaps first ever event – a panel discussion by five national leaders, all from Delaware and Maryland. That includes: Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association; Richard Wilkins, president of the American Soybean Association; Lee McDaniel, president of the National Association of Conservation Districts; Chip Councell, vice chairman of the U.S. Grains Council; and Jason Scott, the new chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates.

* Hans Schmidt, Maryland’s assistant ag secretary, will give an update on proposed changes to Maryland’s nutrient management regulations

* Jon Doggett, executive vice president of NCGA, will give an update on Washington, D.C. news.

* Rounding out the program is keynote speaker Charlie Arnot, CEO of the national Center for Food Integrity, on “Why consumers hate big ag”.

* At 4 p.m., the hunger line forms for the annual crab feast and BBQ pork and chicken.

Entry to the Commodity Classic will cost $10 per person. After 2:30 p.m., that fee jumps to $20. The entry gate is closed at 3:30 p.m. The Commodity Classic is held annually by Maryland Grain Producers with support from Maryland Soybean Board. For more details, visit maryland grain.

So, set your pickup GPS to 1945 4-H Park Road, Centreville, Md. When it’s time, click that key – or press “start”.