Facilitating Communication between â€œFarmâ€� and â€œEnvironmentalâ€� Communities in Talbot County

The PI is Dave Almquist. After press in the 1990’s pointed to agricultural practices responsible for high nutrient levels and subsequent outbreaks of Physteria in area waters, farmers felt they were being unfairly blamed for bay water quality problems. Environmentalists, on the other hand, supported proposals to regulate the use of nutrients on crops. The two communities were both interested in reducing nutrient loss to the bay and restoring water quality, but an atmosphere of mistrust and a lack of communication had developed.

Extension agents with responsibilities in agriculture and natural resources are positioned to bring the communities together by offering educational programs that address the causes of water quality degradation and inviting key people in both communities to attend.

Over the period of time from 1995 to 2003, and with the help of Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pickering Creek Environmental Center, Future Harvest, The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Talbot County Farm Bureau, and the Talbot Agronomy Program, classes, meetings and discussions were held. 4-H youth attended summer farm and environmental field days.

By 2003, farmers and environmentalists were communicating more freely with each other in Talbot County. By 2006, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation had assumed a more farm-friendly position. Education and liaison efforts made by Extension in Talbot County may have contributed.

Communication and understanding are necessary for cooperation and progress.

For more information, contact Dave Almquist

Last updated: 02/7/2008