ANNAPOLIS - Governor Martin O'Malley today announced his selection of Roger L. Richardson to be Maryland's next Secretary of Agriculture. Richardson will take charge of an agency with a budget in excess of $100 million and over 470 employees.
"Roger Richardson has generously agreed to join the O'Malley/Brown Administration and support our agricultural community, and we are grateful that he will step up to the challenge," said Governor O'Malley. "As a farmer, an entrepreneur, and a proven administrator, Roger will help farmers adapt to the challenges of Maryland's evolving economy."
Roger Richardson is 6th generation Maryland farmer, who works 3,500 acres of land on Maryland's Eastern Shore. He also has a private trucking company devoted to the transportation of agricultural products.
Richardson has been in public service for years. He currently serves as President of the National Association of Farmer Elected Committees, Director of the American Corn Growers Association, Chairman of the Board of Review for the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and as president of the Snow Hill Grain co-op. In addition, Richardson is a member of the Agricultural Stewardship Commission, the Board of Directors for the Maryland Center for Agro-Ecology, and the Worcester County Farmland Committee. Previously, Richardson has been a Presidential appointee as Chairman of the Maryland Farm Service Committee, a State Committee member of the Maryland Agricultural Stabilization Committee, and Supervisor of the Worcester County Soil Conservation District.
"It is an honor to be asked to serve my fellow farmers under Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown," said Richardson. "Farms are critical to protecting Maryland's open space and priceless rural heritage, and I will work with farmers in all regions of our state to strengthen the agricultural community."
Richardson was born in Worcester County, and currently lives in Eden, MD with his wife Fay. He has two daughters, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
This evening, Governor O'Malley will address the Maryland Agricultural Council's annual dinner in Glen Burnie, where he will formally introduce Richardson as his nominee for Secretary of Agriculture and induct two farming families into the Governor's Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Source: Gov. O'Malley's Office