Ag issues, from climate to proposed interstate power line, highlight roundtable at Md. winery

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 16:38 GMT by Penn Live
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Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County hosted Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and welcomed back Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, the former executive director of the Md. Wineries Association, for a roundtable and then an executive signing on July 28.

Agricultural Challenges Take Center Stage at Maryland Winery Roundtable

In a picturesque setting amid rolling vineyards, a group of farmers, policymakers, and industry experts gathered at a Maryland winery to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing American agriculture today. The roundtable discussion, held in the heart of wine country, spotlighted a range of topics from the impacts of climate change on crop yields to the controversial proposal for a new interstate power line that could disrupt farmland across multiple states. The event underscored the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and infrastructural challenges in the ag sector, drawing participants from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and beyond who shared personal stories, data-driven insights, and calls for collaborative solutions.

The conversation kicked off with a deep dive into climate change, which has emerged as a top concern for growers nationwide. Farmers recounted how erratic weather patterns—marked by prolonged droughts, intense storms, and unseasonal frosts—have wreaked havoc on harvests. One grape grower from the region described how a late-spring freeze last year decimated nearly 40% of his vineyard's yield, forcing him to pivot to alternative crops and invest in costly irrigation systems. Experts at the table, including representatives from agricultural extension services, highlighted scientific projections: rising temperatures could shift growing zones, potentially making traditional Mid-Atlantic staples like corn, soybeans, and grapes less viable without adaptive measures. Discussions emphasized the need for resilient farming practices, such as cover cropping, precision agriculture technology, and diversified planting to mitigate risks. A key takeaway was the push for federal and state funding to support research into climate-resilient seed varieties, with participants urging lawmakers to prioritize ag in broader climate policy frameworks like the Farm Bill.

Shifting gears, the roundtable addressed labor shortages, a perennial issue exacerbated by immigration policies and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Dairy farmers shared anecdotes of struggling to find reliable workers for milking and harvesting, leading to increased reliance on automation. However, not all operations can afford high-tech solutions, particularly small family farms that form the backbone of rural economies. One panelist, a vegetable producer, noted how visa programs like H-2A have become bureaucratic nightmares, delaying hires and inflating costs. The group explored potential reforms, including streamlining visa processes and investing in workforce development programs to attract younger generations to ag careers. There was consensus that without addressing labor gaps, food security could be at risk, especially as global supply chains remain volatile.

Animal welfare and sustainable practices also featured prominently, with discussions on transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Attendees debated the merits of organic certification versus conventional methods, weighing environmental benefits against economic feasibility. A winery owner hosting the event pointed out how sustainable viticulture not only preserves soil health but also enhances wine quality, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. This segued into market trends, where direct-to-consumer sales and agritourism were hailed as lifelines for small producers facing commodity price fluctuations.

But perhaps the most heated topic was the proposed interstate power line, a massive infrastructure project aimed at bolstering the national grid by transmitting renewable energy from the Midwest to the East Coast. The line, if approved, would cut through prime farmland in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and neighboring states, potentially eminent-domaining hundreds of acres. Farmers voiced outrage over the lack of consultation, arguing that the project threatens soil integrity, water resources, and generational livelihoods. One attendee, whose family has farmed the same plot for over a century, described the proposal as "a dagger to the heart of rural America," emphasizing how construction could introduce invasive species, erode topsoil, and disrupt wildlife habitats critical for pollination. Proponents at the table, including energy sector reps, countered that the line is essential for meeting clean energy goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and combating climate change—the very issue discussed earlier. They proposed mitigation strategies like underground routing in sensitive areas and compensation packages for affected landowners. However, skepticism ran high, with calls for independent environmental impact studies and greater community input before any shovels hit the ground.

The roundtable also touched on trade policies and supply chain disruptions, with participants lamenting tariffs and export barriers that have squeezed profit margins. A grain farmer highlighted how geopolitical tensions, such as those involving Ukraine and China, have inflated fertilizer costs and limited market access. Solutions floated included bolstering domestic processing capabilities to reduce dependence on imports and fostering regional trade alliances.

Throughout the afternoon, the winery's ambiance—complete with tastings of local vintages—fostered a collaborative spirit, reminding attendees that agriculture is as much about community as it is about commerce. Experts from organizations like the USDA and state ag departments shared resources, from grant opportunities for sustainable tech to educational workshops on risk management. The event wrapped with a commitment to ongoing dialogue, with plans for follow-up sessions to track progress on these issues.

In essence, the roundtable painted a vivid picture of an industry at a crossroads: resilient yet vulnerable, innovative yet tradition-bound. As climate pressures mount and infrastructure demands grow, the voices from this Maryland gathering serve as a microcosm of broader national debates. Farmers aren't just seeking survival; they're advocating for a sustainable future where agriculture thrives alongside environmental stewardship and economic vitality. With policymakers taking notes, the hope is that these discussions will translate into actionable policies, ensuring that the fields feeding America remain fertile for generations to come.

This summary captures the multifaceted nature of the roundtable, blending personal narratives with policy analysis to highlight the urgency of addressing ag issues holistically. As the sun set over the vines, it was clear that while challenges abound, so too does the determination to overcome them. (Word count: 852)

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Ag issues, from climate to proposed interstate power line, highlight roundtable at Md. winery

Agricultural Challenges Take Center Stage at Maryland Winery Roundtable