GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO ANNOUNCE NEW RECORD COVER CROP ENROLLMENT BY MARYLAND FARMERS

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 15, 2011) – TOMORROW, Governor Martin O’Malley will announce record cover crop program enrollment for the coming season. The Governor will visit the Layton Family Farm, one of the inductees for the 2011 Agriculture Governor’s Hall of Fame.

Cover crops are important to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the productivity of Maryland’s farmland. Small grains, such as wheat, rye or barley, planted as cover crops in the fall, take up unused nutrients, control soil erosion, and protect water quality in the Bay and its tributaries.

Last year, Governor O’Malley visited the Hutchison Bros. Farm in Cordova to announce record cover crop enrollment.

WHAT:            Governor O’Malley, MDA Secretary Buddy Hance to announce 2011 Fall Cover Crop enrollment           

WHEN:            TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:           Lazy Days Farm/Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery

   4225 New Bridge Road, Vienna, MD