Senator Richard F. Colburn - A Shore Senator

May 12, 2006

Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc.
8930 LIberty Road
Randallstown, MD

Dear Senator Colburn:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your willingness to work with Farm Bureau in support of farm families in 2006. With your help, we were able to pass and defeat bills that will yield a positive economic climate for farms in the years ahead.

We were pleased to see passage of positive initiatives such as the Agricultural Stewardship Act, the Right-to Farm update, and the bill to appoint a Department of Health Agricultural Ombudsman. Bills to allow farm buildings to be used for agritourism without major overhauls, to allow small wineries to continue to sell directly to retailers and restaurants and to reduce the cost of on-farm processing permits will help keep Maryland farms economically viable. Passage of the State Fleet Biodiesel Fuel Usage Act will help us develop the bio-fuels market here in Maryland and reduce overall dependence on foreign oil suppliers. Maryland Farm Bureau members are extremely grateful for the support of legislators who share an appreciation for and understanding of farm business in Maryland.

Enclosed you will find the final edition of Maryland Farm Bureau's Hotline. This last Hotline for 2006 contains the final status on bills of importance to Maryland Farm Bureau and the positions we took on those bills.

During the interim, look for our Government Relations Bulleting (GRB). The GRB will help keep you informed on important issues and concerns for Maryland Farm Bureau. This publication will contain updates and informational pieces on regulatory activity, summer studies, and other issues of concern.

We encourage you to take the time to visit with farmers in your district or in other parts of the state over the interim. You will find farmers at the county fairs and the Maryland State Fair, as well as at the many farmers' markets set up throughout the state. I will be happy to coordinate a farm visit at any time for individual legislators or for Committees working on summer study projects.

If you have any questions about events coming up or would like more information about rural Maryland and the Maryland Farm Bureau please do not hesitate to call me at (410) 922-3426. I enjoyed working with you during the 2007 (2006) session.

Sincerely,

Valerie T. Connelly
Director of Government Relations


Paid for by Citizens for Colburn Committee. Authority John W. Phillips, Jr., Treasurer		May 12, 2006 Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. 8930 LIberty Road Randallstown, MD Dear Senator Colburn: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your willingness to work with Farm Bureau in support of farm families in 2006. With your help, we were able to pass and defeat bills that will yield a positive economic climate for farms in the years ahead. We were pleased to see passage of positive initiatives such as the Agricultural Stewardship Act, the Right-to Farm update, and the bill to appoint a Department of Health Agricultural Ombudsman. Bills to allow farm buildings to be used for agritourism without major overhauls, to allow small wineries to continue to sell directly to retailers and restaurants and to reduce the cost of on-farm processing permits will help keep Maryland farms economically viable. Passage of the State Fleet Biodiesel Fuel Usage Act will help us develop the bio-fuels market here in Maryland and reduce overall dependence on foreign oil suppliers. Maryland Farm Bureau members are extremely grateful for the support of legislators who share an appreciation for and understanding of farm business in Maryland. Enclosed you will find the final edition of Maryland Farm Bureau's Hotline. This last Hotline for 2006 contains the final status on bills of importance to Maryland Farm Bureau and the positions we took on those bills. During the interim, look for our Government Relations Bulleting (GRB). The GRB will help keep you informed on important issues and concerns for Maryland Farm Bureau. This publication will contain updates and informational pieces on regulatory activity, summer studies, and other issues of concern. We encourage you to take the time to visit with farmers in your district or in other parts of the state over the interim. You will find farmers at the county fairs and the Maryland State Fair, as well as at the many farmers' markets set up throughout the state. I will be happy to coordinate a farm visit at any time for individual legislators or for Committees working on summer study projects. If you have any questions about events coming up or would like more information about rural Maryland and the Maryland Farm Bureau please do not hesitate to call me at (410) 922-3426. I enjoyed working with you during the 2007 (2006) session. Sincerely, Valerie T. Connelly Director of Government Relations