Meet Dr. Nadine Burton, an innovative Alternative Crop Specialist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the dedicated owner of Tallawah Farms, LLC, and Michael Edwards of Wood Duck Landing Farm. They are at the forefront of the Around the Bay Farmers' Alliance (ATBFA), a vital non-profit they established in 2021. This coalition consists of 52 diverse members, including 10 active farmers, agricultural service providers, researchers, extension agents, and stakeholders, united in their mission to enhance food security across the region.

In 2023, the farmers of ATBFA collectively sold over 90 tons of fresh produce, supplying key clients such as the Capitol Area Food Bank and Maryland Food Bank. Their reach extends across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, ensuring that local food banks and wholesalers benefit from high-quality specialty foods.

When Dr. Burton learned about MARBIDCO's Certified Local Farm and Fish Food Aggregation Grant Program, she seized the opportunity despite her initial apprehensions about grant writing. “This was my first grant,” she remarked. “With great assistance from MARBIDCO guiding me through the process, I realized it was much easier than I had thought. If you can read and write, you can apply.” Her positive experiences with MARBIDCO emphasized that grantees receive continuous support even after they are awarded the funding.

The grant funds enabled the Alliance to purchase a refrigerated truck, construct a much-needed pavilion, and acquire essential supplies for packaging produce for wholesale buyers. Dr. Burton, whose roots trace back to Jamaica, infuses a wealth of knowledge about specialty crops into her farming practices. She grows a variety of produce on her six-acre farm, including callaloo, a nutritious staple in Caribbean cuisine.

Before planting season, Dr. Burton and Mr. Edwards turn their attention to understanding their clients' food needs, sharing this information with fellow Alliance members to adjust crop production based on demand. “We strive to meet the needs of our customers,” Mr. Edwards emphasized, noting a recent request from Seton Center for year-round produce. This organization, part of Catholic Charities, plays a role in delivering essential food assistance to over 83,000 individuals and families in Delaware and Maryland.

With the support of the MARBIDCO grant, they have been able to plant more crops. Wood Duck Landing Farm has dedicated two tunnels to fulfill the Alliance's goal of year-round food supply: one for vegetables destined for Seton Center and another nurturing more than 34,000 seedlings for future planting.

Dr. Burton proudly highlights the achievements of small farms on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay. Near the end of the season, she shared, "We have 2 tons of produce and project an additional 2 tons by year-end." The farming community is transitioning to hoop house production, extending growing seasons and diversifying income streams. Recently, they delivered 5,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Capitol Area Food Bank.

Many more opportunities lie ahead, including potential sales to the Somerset County School system, contingent upon securing additional funding for processing and packaging equipment. Their vision includes building a facility for cleaning, cutting, and wrapping fresh vegetables tailored for local schools.

Beyond farming, Dr. Burton and Mr. Edwards are passionate educators of environmental practices and sustainable farming. Mr. Edwards practices growing organic cover crops between fresh produce rows, a technique that restores soil nutrients and minimizes the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Remarkably, he has utilized only 25 pounds of fertilizer on six acres, yielding a kale crop that filled 190 boxes, turning a healthy profit.

In a world where food security is increasingly crucial, the work of Dr. Burton, Mr. Edwards, and the ATBFA is essential. MARBIDCO supports ATBFA’s efforts by investing in a sustainable and healthy future for our communities.