n established the Montgomery County Farm Tour weekend , which began in 1989 ; n facilitated a variety of zoning amendments ensuring alternate agricultural enterprises , such as vineyards , breweries , CSA farms , and hydroponic operations , can all exist and thrive in the county ; n protected agricultural preservation funding and utilized creative thinking to enhance the county ’ s ability to protect farmland ( e . g . the BLT program ); n provided invaluable support to enhance the efforts of local agricultural committees and organizations to ensure these groups are strong and viable , for example writing Farm Bureau resolution policy positions ; n provided a meticulously accurate record of Office of Agriculture activities , actions by the county government , minutes of meetings , and a treasure trove of knowledge stored in notebooks in his office ; and n helped secure funding for the Heritage Hall at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds .
Jeremy ’ s efforts have touched so many of our lives . It is with gratitude in mind that we would like to share some of the highlights of his career through testimonials from those that he has helped throughout the years .
“ If it wasn ’ t for Jeremy , I wouldn ’ t be a tabletop farmer ,” said Linda Lewis of Lewis Orchards . “ We were in a situation where we had to purchase the family farm when Robert ’ s grandmother passed away . Jeremy guided us through the preservation process which was critical because the preservation funding was the only way we could afford to purchase our family farm . In that same time frame , we had a tragedy in our family with the death of our son Marshall . Jeremy was instrumental in getting me a segment of a video / picture of Marshall as he appeared in the County ’ s Heritage and Hope video . I ’ ll be eternally grateful . He has been there for us every step of way and we are forever grateful .”
William “ Billy ” Willard , a Montgomery County grain farmer , explains that “ Jeremy has been integral in the continued success of Montgomery County agriculture . His ability to carefully and concisely articulate the needs of Montgomery County farmers to our elected officials and the governing agencies in Rockville is a very unique skill set ! Jeremy is considered one of us : a Montgomery County farmer !”
“ Montgomery County Farm Bureau board members benefited from Jeremy ’ s “ Monthly Report ” containing current legislative proposals , emanating from Montgomery County Council and Maryland ’ s House and Senate ,” said Lonnie Luther , President of Montgomery County Farm Bureau . “ His presence and knowledge of the County Code and its impact on resident farmers and farm-related businesses has been beyond our expectations . Always supportive and helpful to every farmer , new or seasoned , big or small , regardless of sex , race , or creed , Jeremy has been amazing , and will be greatly missed .”
Mike Protas of One Acre Farm in Poolesville credits Jeremy with much of his success : “ Without a doubt , my farm business would be nowhere near what it is today without the support and guidance of Jeremy Criss . He has been instrumental in helping me in all stages of my business , from understanding county government and agriculture as a business to speaking slowly so folks can understand what it is I am trying to say ! The county ’ s farmers will miss him dearly , and we are all better off because of the work and commitment he so deeply gave to us .”
“ He taught me the importance of providing testimony in support of the agricultural community and how to effectively communicate on the importance of the Agricultural Reserve ,” said Robert Butz of Windridge Winery .
“ I have had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Jeremy for the past 26 years ,” said John Zawitoski , District Manager to the Montgomery Soil Conservation District . “ I can ’ t begin to tell you how many after-hour evenings we spent sitting around the round table in his office deliberating on the challenges of the day . Sometimes these conversations were very dynamic ; however , these brainstorming sessions led to some of the most progressive policies and programs offered through the Office of Agriculture . I have always been proud of being part of his team .”
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