2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Agricultural Commission › Section 2-203 - Composition of Commission; Appointment and Terms of Members

(a)    The Commission has 31 members. One member is ex officio and is the principal administrative official for agricultural affairs at the University System of Maryland as designated by the Chancellor of the University. The Governor appoints the remaining 30 members as follows:
(1)    Two from a list of at least four nominees representing the dairy industry;
(2)    Two from a list of at least four nominees representing the poultry industry;
(3)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the livestock industry;
(4)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the tobacco industry;
(5)    Two from a list of at least four nominees representing the nursery industry;
(6)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the horticulture industry;
(7)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the field crops industry;
(8)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the vegetable industry;
(9)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the veterinary profession;
(10)    One from a list of at least two nominees of the Maryland State Grange;
(11)    One from a list of at least two nominees of the Maryland Farm Bureau;
(12)    Two without nomination appointed at large from services related to agriculture;
(13)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the turf industry;
(14)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the horse–breeding industry;
(15)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the food processing industry;
(16)    One without nomination appointed at large from the general public to be the consumer member;
(17)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the organic farming industry;
(18)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing direct farm marketing;
(19)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing viticulture;
(20)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing agriculture education in primary or secondary schools;
(21)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing agri–business;
(22)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the forestry industry;
(23)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the aquaculture industry;
(24)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing agri–tourism;
(25)    One from a list of two nominees representing the biofuel industry; and
(26)    One from a list of at least two nominees representing the hemp industry.
(b)    (1)    The consumer member of the Commission:
(i)    Shall be a member of the general public;
(ii)    May not be involved in any way with the activities on which the Commission advises the Secretary; and
(iii)    May not, within 1 year before appointment, have had a financial interest in or have received compensation from a person who is involved in any way with the activities on which the Commission advises the Secretary.
(2)    While a member of the Commission, the consumer member may not have a financial interest in or receive compensation from a person who is involved in any way with the activities on which the Commission advises the Secretary.
(c)    The term of membership is 3 years. A person may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Members of the Commission appointed before January 1, 1973, may continue to serve until the expiration of their terms. New appointments shall be made from nominees of the industry, profession, or organization represented by the member whose term is expiring.