The Eastern Shore is Maryland’s breadbasket, producing much of the state’s top export commodities such as poultry, soybeans, wheat, corn, and vegetables. Because every dollar of exported goods produces another $1.30 in additional business activity, the Eastern Shore’s agriculture exports have a multiplier effect that stimulates jobs and increases income and local purchasing power.
That is why Trump’s trade war and its heavy use of tariffs must be understood as a direct threat to Eastern Shore. It is well known that tariffs hurt the well being of farmers, workers, and the local and state economy by reducing production, income, and jobs. Unfortunately, the $30 billion bailout program that Trump created to fix a trade war that he started is not an adequate substitute for greater economic certainty, hard work and the ability to freely access markets abroad.

But it’s not just Trump erratic policies. Rep. Andy Harris, the Eastern Shore’s only Congressional Representative in the U.S. Congress, voted against the Farm Bill which is the foundation of America’s ag policy and vital to Eastern Shore farmers.
Maryland Democrats understand and value the role of our state’s agricultural industries. That’s why U.S. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen and every Democratic member of the U.S House delegation voted for the Farm Bill. It’s why our newest Anne Arundel County Executive is a farmer.

It’s also why Democrats in the Maryland General Assembly are working hard to support farmers. From boosting the amount of locally grown food procured by Maryland institutions (HB 305/SB 608) and promoting agritourism (HB 693/SB 99) to boosting the consumption of healthy foods by matching purchases made by Marylanders using federal nutrition assistance programs (HB 84/SB483), these legislators know that Eastern Shore products are essential for the well being of the state and the world.