Harford Nurseryman Named Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer

(Bel Air, MD – March 16, 2009) – – Harford County Executive David R. Craig and the Division of Agriculture are pleased to congratulate David Thompson of Foxborough Nursery in Street for being named a Master Farmer by American Agriculturist magazine.

The 2009 class of Master Farmers join 634 others who have been so named since 1927, and Thompson becomes only the 48th Marylander to receive the honor. Recipients are chosen based on their financial progress, stewardship of resources, and community leadership. The award will be presented on March 23 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Thompson started Foxborough Nursery 31 years ago, erecting a greenhouse on the family farm of his wife Marilyn. Relying primarily on word-of-mouth, as well as his degree in Horticulture from the University of Maryland, Thompson’s business has grown into one of the region’s most respected nursery and landscaping enterprises.

“Foxborough Nursery is a good example of how an agribusiness can be successful through hard work, dedication, and by offering a superior product,” noted C. John Sullivan, Deputy Chief of Staff for Agriculture. “Foxborough alone employs almost 40 people, which shows how important agriculture is to Harford County’s economy. And David has long supported the Horticulture program at North Harford High, passing his knowledge on to the next generation.”

County Executive Craig praised Thompson’s commitment to Harford County’s agricultural community. “Both County Government and the farming community rely on David’s leadership as chair of the Ag Land Preservation Board and as a member of the Ag Advisory Board,” Craig stated. “We congratulate him on this achievement, which is richly
deserved.”

Thompson is a past president of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, and the American Conifer Society.

For information about Foxborough Nursery, visit their website at www.foxboroughnursery.com. To learn more about agriculture in Harford County, log on to www.harfordfarms.com.