Cecil County Expands Agricultural Development Capacity – Maryland Association of Counties

Cecil County Expands Agricultural Development Capacity to Support Sustainable Growth

Introduction

The Cecil County Office of Economic Development has taken a significant step towards advancing its support for local farmers and agribusinesses by appointing a dedicated Agricultural Business Development Specialist. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on sustainable agriculture, economic growth, and community development.

Appointment of Agricultural Business Development Specialist

Malik J. Grace, MBA, has been hired as the new Agricultural Business Development Specialist for Cecil County. His role is central to reinforcing the County’s long-term commitment to strengthening its agricultural economy and promoting sustainable development.

Role and Responsibilities

In his capacity as Agricultural Business Development Specialist, Malik Grace will:

1. Support farm and agribusiness development by connecting producers with technical assistance, funding opportunities, and markets.
2. Administer and promote the Cecil Grown program, which encourages local agricultural products.
3. Support value-added agriculture and agritourism initiatives to diversify income sources for farmers.
4. Serve as a liaison between local producers and county, state, and federal partners to enhance collaboration and resource sharing.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This expansion of agricultural development capacity directly contributes to several SDGs, including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by supporting sustainable agriculture and improving food production systems.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by fostering economic opportunities and resilience in the agricultural sector.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through promotion of local products and sustainable agribusiness practices.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – by encouraging sustainable land use and conservation in farming practices.

Statements from Key Officials

“I’m excited to join Cecil County and work alongside its farming community,” said Malik Grace. “The county has a strong agricultural foundation, and I look forward to helping producers access resources, explore new opportunities, and build resilient operations that can grow over time.”

“Agriculture plays a vital role in Cecil County’s economy and sense of place,” said Sandra Edwards, Director of the Cecil County Office of Economic Development. “Malik brings a thoughtful, community-centered approach to this work, and we’re excited to have him supporting our farmers and helping strengthen the systems that allow agriculture to thrive here.”

Professional Background of Malik J. Grace

Malik Grace possesses a robust background in agriculture, economics, and data-driven decision-making, which supports the County’s sustainable development objectives. His qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with majors in Agribusiness and Agricultural & Applied Economics from the University of Georgia.
• Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University–Shreveport.

Prior to joining Cecil County, Grace held positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including:

• Agricultural Statistician with the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
• Agricultural Economist with the Foreign Agricultural Service.

In these roles, he analyzed agricultural production trends, commodity markets, and policy impacts, translating complex data into actionable insights for producers and policymakers. Additionally, his experience as a Math and Science educator enhances his ability to communicate effectively and engage with diverse community stakeholders.

Conclusion

The appointment of Malik J. Grace as Agricultural Business Development Specialist marks a strategic enhancement of Cecil County’s agricultural support infrastructure. This initiative not only strengthens the local agricultural economy but also advances the County’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, fostering resilient, sustainable, and inclusive growth within the agricultural sector.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on supporting local farmers and agribusinesses, which directly relates to improving agricultural productivity and food security.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • By strengthening the agricultural economy and supporting agribusiness development, the initiative promotes sustained economic growth and productive employment in the agricultural sector.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Supporting value-added agriculture and agritourism initiatives encourages sustainable production practices and diversification of agricultural products.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The role includes serving as a liaison between local producers and county, state, and federal partners, emphasizing multi-stakeholder partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 Targets
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 2
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
   • Indicator 2.3.2: Average income of small-scale food producers.
   • Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
2. Indicators for SDG 8
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied through job creation and support).
3. Indicators for SDG 12
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
   • Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled.
4. Indicators for SDG 17
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships.
   • Indicator 17.17.2: Number of partnerships (including multi-stakeholder partnerships) involving public, private and civil society organizations.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: conduitstreet.mdcounties.org