Specifics of the Hughes Fellowship

Long term goal: to raise $1.5 Million by January 2009

Short term goal: to raise $500,000 by June 2007

Initial goal: to raise $250,000 by November 13, 2006

The purpose is to offer exceptional scholars and graduate students an opportunity to research a key issue or issues affecting agriculture and forestry (the working lands) in Maryland and to work with key stakeholder groups during the process from conception through implementation. The overall experience will be to focus on creative problem solving.

Issues for research will be identified by asking environmental, farming, forestry, academic, legislative and other interests to identify their five top short-range and long range challenges facing the working lands in Maryland. Some examples include:

Assessing the effectiveness and value of tax credits for landowners who want to keep their land as working farms and forests, working with stakeholder groups to assess the benefits and helping to shepherd the concept through the legislature.
Identifying a regional niche for new market products, assessing potential according to product(s) and the chance for success through exporting the product(s) and distributing them regionally. Assessing start up costs, supporting costs and potential productivity and working with existing institutions to make it happen through changes in laws, regulations, interstate transport, etc.

Candidates interested in the Fellows Position may also offer their ideas as well. The emphasis will be placed on those issues for which application can be taken to the local level. Selection of a candidate will be made by interview process with a committee of the Board of Directors of the Center as well as other members of the academic community. Depending on the issue, funding will be for one year or multiple years.

For more information, contact Nancy Nunn

Last updated: 11/20/2007