Queenstown, Maryland (November 24, 2023) – The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) was named the 2023 Volunteers of the Year by Chesapeake Charities. Each year, Chesapeake Charities hosts a Celebration of Charity honoring exceptional volunteers, philanthropists, advocates, and nonprofits in the Chesapeake Bay region who have had a profound impact on the community. Every year an area of focus is highlighted and for 2023, Maryland’s Farming Community was chosen to be honored.
Recognized as Volunteers of the year, MGPUB has funded over $26 million in grants since 1991 to improve the profitability, public understanding, and sustainability of Maryland agriculture and farm families. The Maryland Grain Checkoff is refundable and yet, MGPUB has an average annual refund percentage of just 3.4% demonstrating that Maryland farmers see the value in donating their hard-earned money to this important cause. Notable education projects include providing primary funding for Maryland’s Public Television’s Maryland Farm and Harvest which has educated over 11 million viewers about Maryland agriculture. MGPUB also funds many youth agriculture education programs through Maryland Extension and FFA throughout the state. Research grants focus on nutrient management, crop protection, and seed varieties all with the primary purpose of improving farmer’s productivity. MGPUB funds national organizations such as U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Wheat Associates that promote exports of U.S. grains to benefit all farmers’ bottom line. Research has shown that for every $1 invested in market development, $24 is returned to the farm gate. Lastly highlighting, funding has been provided to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and the Lower Shore Doe Harvest Challenge, which has paid for the processing of over 300,000 pounds of venison donated to food banks in Maryland.
The investment by Maryland farmers in the grain checkoff program has had broad sweeping and long-lasting impacts on the agricultural community. None of this would be possible without the contributions of Maryland farmers to the checkoff program and the time volunteered by the farmer board to administer the program.
Thank you to those who serve and have served on the Utilization Board for your dedication to the future of agriculture. We appreciate you and all your hard work.
Also awarded at the annual event were; Philanthropist of the Year – Jim Perdue, Nonprofit of the Year – Wild Kid Acres, and Advocate of the Year – Amy Cawley, Maryland Food Bank. Congratulations to all awardee!
Chesapeake Charities’ mission is to provide innovative leadership and quality services that encourage charitable giving, building community resources, and enable donors to achieve their charitable purposes, and the work they have accomplished across the state.
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