Jared Planz, a resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, lives and works at Clagett Farm where he serves as farm program manager. He earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Salisbury University before transitioning into a career in agriculture. Jared has worked at Clagett Farm for nine years, beginning in vegetable production and later stepping into broader leadership through his current role.

Over the past decade, he has helped grow and distribute more than half a million pounds of vegetables, ensuring that 25 to 30 percent of the harvests reach families in need. He sits on the board of Soil Stewards for the Million Acre Challenge and is a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture as a solution to both food insecurity and water quality challenges. Jared has led thousands of visitors through educational farm programs, connecting people to the land and showing firsthand how sustainable farming practices can heal soil, strengthen communities, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.