Farming Town Hall Scheduled For Sat., Apr. 9th

An organizers say it’s an opportunity for Frederick County elected officials to listen to local farmers’ concerns.

Councilman Steve McKay

Frederick, Md (KM) A farming town hall is scheduled for Saturday, April 9th at the Urbana Fire Hall. Frederick County Councilman Steve McKay and Council Vice President Michael Blue are hosting the event.

McKay says he’s been to Farm Bureau meetings where the organization outlines its legislative priorities. Burt he wants to hear concerns from individual farmers.   “Let’s just have a larger gathering, and let’s just listen and learn, and how we can learn to better help our farming community,”: McKay says.

While agriculture tends to be a state and federal issue, McKay says there are some things county government can do for farmers. “Oftentimes, that means providing them more flexible tools in terms of the things they can grow, more flexibility for our small farmers in terms of what they can do. So I think there’s lots of potential,” he says.

McKay also says the Council can change local ordinances and set up new programs to help farmers.

During the town hall, McKay says he will spend his time listening and learning. “We’re going to be there in listening mode, taking notes, and seeing what we can do to help,” he says.

The town hall will take place from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon. The Urbana Fire Hall is located at 3602 Urbana Pike.

By Kevin McManus