BALTIMORE, MD—The Deford family of Baltimore County has been inducted into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. The honor was bestowed upon them by Governor Wes Moore at the 55th Annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture event, held Thursday, February 6 at Maryland Live! Casino and Hotel.

The Deford family represents the 56th inductee into the hall of fame. The Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, established in 1991 by former Governor William Donald Schaefer, recognizes agricultural leaders who demonstrate exceptional achievements and dedication to the industry and their communities. Nominations are accepted at local University of Maryland Extension offices in the late summer and submitted to the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame Program coordinator in the fall.

“There is no Maryland without Maryland agriculture,” said Governor Moore. “That’s why my administration is committed to investing in the people who keep us fed, protect the environment, and grow our economy. This year, I am excited to welcome the Deford family into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. This has been a challenging season for our farmers. The Deford family continues to model what it looks like to confront crisis with courage—and the whole of Maryland is better because of it.”

The Defords were recognized for their innovative approach to agriculture, including their early adoption of new technologies and their commitment to environmental stewardship.

“The Defords continue to be prime examples of what Maryland agriculture looks like,” said Secretary Kevin Atticks. “From their ingenuity in embracing new technologies in agriculture to remaining exceptional stewards of the land, the Defords have earned this prestigious honor.”

The Maryland Agriculture Council sponsors The Taste of Maryland Agriculture, a premier agricultural event that connects industry leaders with state and national legislators. The event featured a variety of Maryland agricultural products, including food and beverages from the state’s beer, wine, and cidery industries. During the event, 11 outstanding programs also received Maryland Agriculture Council Educational Grants.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Pictured L to R: Jonathan Deford, Rob Deford, Delegate Ryan Nawrocki (District 7A-Baltimore County), Governor Wes Moore. Photo credit: Joe Andrucyk