Readers of Progressive Farmer Magazine have voted Queen Anne’s County one of the top ten counties as part of the Best Places to Live in Rural America contest.

Members of the staff of the county’s Department of Economic Development, Agriculture and Tourism were thrilled with the honor.

“We couldn’t agree more,” said Faith Elliott Rossing, director, and Donna Landis-Smith, agriculture specialist.

The Department was reorganized in 2007 and part of its focus is on the preservation of agricultural lands and maintaining the rural heritage of the county. In addition to traditional economic development and strong tourism initiatives, the department strives to recognize agriculture as an important and viable economic industry in Queen Anne’s County.
“These are places that have been innovative with agriculture and preserving farmland…places where agriculture still has something of a foot hold,” said Jamie Cole, managing editor of Progressive Farmer, who also oversees the “Best Places to Live” contests. Queen Anne’s County was voted eight out of the top ten, with Obion County, Tennessee coming in at the number one spot.

The Reader’s Poll ran from February 1 to June 30, 2008. To see the entire results go to www.ProgressiveFarmer.com. and click on Reader’s Choice Awards.