reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation › Section 2-517.1 - Farmland Preservation Partnership Program

(a)    (1)    The Foundation may establish a Farmland Preservation Partnership Program that is governed by the requirements of this section.
(2)    The Farmland Preservation Partnership Program may include the acquisition of easements under the Critical Farms Program as provided under § 2–517 of this subtitle.
(3)    The objective of the Partnership Program is to preserve productive agricultural and forested lands.
(4)    (i)    The Foundation may form partnerships for the purpose of purchasing easements on qualifying properties.
(ii)    Except for the Critical Farms Program where State funds may be made available as determined by the Foundation, the Foundation’s partners shall cover the full purchase price, which may include the administrative costs of any easement for which the Foundation will be the grantee or the co–grantee.
(iii)    The properties that qualify for the Partnership Program shall meet the criteria developed by the Foundation in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    (1)    The Foundation shall develop criteria that determine when a farm qualifies for the Partnership Program.
(2)    At a minimum, any qualifying farm shall:
(i)    Meet the Foundation’s size criteria;
(ii)    As determined by the Foundation, contain significant productive agricultural soil or forest soil; and
(iii)    Be approved for participation in the Partnership Program by the governing body of the local jurisdiction in which the property is located.
(c)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, an easement acquired by the Foundation in accordance with this section is not subject to the ranking, valuation, or development restrictions of this subtitle, except as determined by the Foundation’s board of trustees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation › Section 2-518 - Priority Preservation Areas

(a)    In this section, “area” means a priority preservation area.
(b)    (1)    A county may include a priority preservation area element in the county’s comprehensive plan.
(2)    A county that applies for certification or recertification under § 5–408 of the State Finance and Procurement Article shall include a priority preservation area element in the county’s comprehensive plan.
(c)    An area shall:
(1)    (i)    Contain productive agricultural or forest soils; or
(ii)    Be capable of supporting profitable agricultural and forestry enterprises where productive soils are lacking;
(2)    Be governed by local policies, ordinances, regulations, and procedures that:
(i)    Stabilize the agricultural and forest land base so that development does not convert or compromise agricultural or forest resources; and
(ii)    Support the ability of working farms in the priority preservation area to engage in normal agricultural activities; and
(3)    Be large enough to support normal agricultural and forestry activities in conjunction with the amount of development permitted by the county in the priority preservation area, as represented in its adopted comprehensive plan.
(d)    An area may:
(1)    Consist of a single parcel of land, multiple connected parcels of land, or multiple unconnected parcels of land; and
(2)    Include rural legacy areas.
(e)    A county’s acreage goal for land to be preserved through easements and zoning within an area shall be equal to at least 80% of the remaining undeveloped land in the area, as calculated at the time of application for State certification of an area.
(f)    Each time a county’s comprehensive plan is updated, the update shall include an evaluation of:
(1)    The county’s progress toward meeting the goals of the Foundation;
(2)    Any shortcomings in the county’s ability to achieve the goals of the Foundation; and
(3)    Past, current, and planned actions to correct any identified shortcomings.
(g)    In accordance with § 5–408 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and any regulations adopted under the authority of that section, the Department of Planning and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation shall jointly certify an area.
(h)    In accordance with § 5–408 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, the Department of Planning and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation shall review any update to a county’s comprehensive plan or any other change that may affect an area.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 5 - Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation › Section 2-519 - Imposition of Civil Penalties

(a)    (1)    In addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity and after an opportunity for a hearing, the board of trustees of the Foundation may impose a penalty on an owner of property that is subject to an easement granted under this subtitle for a violation of any provision of this subtitle, any regulation adopted in accordance with § 2–504 of this subtitle, or an easement acquired by the Foundation.
(2)    Each day a violation occurs is a separate violation for purposes of this section.
(b)    Before taking any action under this section, the Foundation shall provide the alleged violator with written notice of the proposed action, an opportunity for an informal meeting, and a reasonable time to correct the alleged violation.
(c)    The penalty imposed on a person under this section shall be:
(1)    Up to $2,500 for each violation;
(2)    Not more than $50,000 total for any single administrative hearing; and
(3)    Assessed with consideration given to the willfulness of the violation and the extent to which the existence of the violation was known to the violator but uncorrected by the violator.
(d)    Penalties collected by the Foundation under this section shall be paid into the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Fund established under § 2–505 of this subtitle.
(e)    The Foundation shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 6 - Farmer Disaster Loan Program › Section 2-601 - Created in Department of Agriculture; Purpose; Management and Supervision

The Farmer Disaster Loan Program is created within the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of making loans at a preferred rate of interest to allow farmers to rebuild, repair, or recover their farmlands, buildings, crops, or livestock damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster. The Department shall manage and supervise the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 6 - Farmer Disaster Loan Program › Section 2-602 - Power to Make Loans

(a)    The Department may make loans under the Farmer Disaster Loan Program from funds provided in the budget.
(b)    Money derived from payment of principal and interest on the loans shall be used by the Department, as needed, to make additional loans under the Farmer Disaster Loan Program. If any money derived from the payment of principal and interest as provided in this subsection exceeds $200,000, then that excess amount shall revert to the General Fund of this State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 6 - Farmer Disaster Loan Program › Section 2-603 - Interest Rate; Application Fee; Security; Eligibility; Reimbursement of Department

(a)    (1)    The Department may make direct loans not exceeding $15,000 to qualifying farmers at an interest rate which will make the program self-supporting. In establishing the interest rate from time to time, the Department shall take into account all of the expenses of the program including administrative expenses of the program, and possible losses. The interest rate may not exceed 1 percent above the cost of the loans to the State.
(2)    The Department may collect a uniform application fee, and retain from it any amounts not expended for credit reports, appraisals, and other expenses of processing loan applications.
(3)    Loans made under this subtitle shall be secured by a mortgage or lien on the property purchased and any improvements and fixtures, crops, and livestock on it, or whatever the Secretary of Agriculture may require.
(b)    (1)    To be eligible for a loan, an applicant shall meet all of the following conditions of eligibility:
(i)    The Governor shall have declared a state of emergency because of a natural disaster making the applicant’s farm eligible for aid;
(ii)    The applicant must have been the one to have suffered the actual loss as a result of the natural disaster;
(iii)    The applicant shall have applied for a farm loan from any agency of the federal government; and
(iv)    The applicant must make application for a farmer disaster loan within six months of the time of the natural disaster.
(2)    The conditions of eligibility listed in this section apply jointly and severally in the case of spouses who are living together, except that the domicile requirement may be satisfied by either spouse.
(3)    If a person receives a farm disaster loan from any agency of the federal government, that person shall reimburse the Department of Agriculture of Maryland for any loan made according to this subtitle, including any expense and interest as provided in subsection (a)(1) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 6 - Farmer Disaster Loan Program › Section 2-604 - Department Authority in Making Loans

The Department may:
(1)    Make farmer disaster loans and extend or modify the terms of an existing loan, set the principal amounts and maturities (not exceeding five years) thereof, enforce them according to their terms, and execute all necessary and convenient documents in connection therewith; foreclose mortgages; and obtain and enforce deficiency judgments. Approval or execution by the Board of Public Works is not needed to assign for value, to release loans when paid, or to accomplish foreclosures.
(2)    Require and obtain appraisals, credit information, and other information necessary or desirable to make sound loans, and to adopt reasonably minimum requirements of creditworthiness and security.
(3)    Contract for services relating to any aspect of the operations of the program in accordance with procedures required by law for State contracts.
(4)    Adopt, and amend from time to time, in accordance with statutory requirements, rules and regulations governing all aspects of the operation of the program, including definitions of terms.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 6 - Farmer Disaster Loan Program › Section 2-605 - Penalty

Whoever knowingly makes or causes to be made any false statement or report for the purpose of influencing the action of the Department upon any application for a loan or any action of the Department affecting a loan already made, shall be subject to a penalty in the amount of three times the amount of the loan with interest of 6 percent from the date of the loan. The Department may enforce this penalty in the appropriate court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board” means the Maryland Horse Industry Board.
(c)    “Boarding stable” means an establishment that solicits or offers to the public to stable horses.
(d)    “Equine activities” includes teaching equestrian skills, participating in equestrian competitions, exhibitions or other displays of equestrian skills, and caring for, breeding, boarding, renting, riding, or training horses.
(e)    “Horse” includes horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies.
(f)    “Horse establishment” means an establishment that solicits or offers to the public any of the following services:
(1)    A boarding stable;
(2)    A lesson or rental stable; or
(3)    A rescue or sanctuary stable.
(g)    “Lesson or rental stable” means an establishment in connection with which one or more horses are offered to the public to be let for hire, to be ridden or driven, either with or without the furnishing of riding or driving instructions.
(h) “Rescue or sanctuary stable” means an establishment that offers to the public to shelter or keep one or more horses for humane purposes with or without compensation and with or without tax–exempt status.
(i)    “Stable” means a place where one or more horses are under the care, custody, and control of an operator.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-704 - Composition of Board; Oath; Terms; Removal of Member

(a)    (1)    The Board consists of 12 members, 11 of whom shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary.
(2)    Of the Board members:
(i)    One shall be a duly qualified and licensed veterinarian;
(ii)    One shall be an officer of a county humane society;
(iii)    One shall be an owner of a licensed stable;
(iv)    One shall be a public member;
(v)    One shall be a representative of the Maryland Horse Council, Inc.;
(vi)    One shall be a representative of the trails and recreational riding community;
(vii)    One shall represent the organized competitions and shows industry;
(viii)    One shall represent the Maryland thoroughbred industry;
(ix)    One shall represent the Maryland standardbred industry;
(x)    One shall represent the academic equine community; and
(xi)    One shall represent the equine trade and support industries.
(3)    The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall serve as an ex officio member of the Board.
(b)    Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.
(c)    (1)    The term of a member is 4 years.
(2)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 1980.
(3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(d)    The Governor may remove a member for incompetency or misconduct.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-706 - Meetings; Expenses; Staff

(a)    The Board shall determine the times and places of its meetings.
(b)    A member of the Board:
(1)    May not receive compensation; but
(2)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(c)    The Board may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-707 - Authority of Secretary; Rules and Regulations

(a)    The powers and duties vested in the Board by the provisions of this subtitle are subject to the power and authority of the Secretary.
(b)    In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Board may:
(1)    Adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle, including:
(i)    Filing applications for licenses; and
(ii)    The qualifications of applicants; and
(2)    Set standards to create classes of licenses under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-708.1 - Duties of Board

The Board shall:
(1)    Carry out the licensing, inspection, and enforcement provisions of this subtitle;
(2)    Advise the Department regarding matters affecting the horse industry in the State;
(3)    Support research related to equine health and related issues;
(4)    Promote the development and use of horses in the State;
(5)    Create public awareness of the value of equine activities as they relate to the preservation of green space and agricultural land; and
(6)    Develop and disseminate information concerning the equine industry, including the history and tradition of breeding and the role of horses in recreational activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-708.2 - Maryland Horse Industry Fund

(a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Maryland Horse Industry Fund.
(b)    There is a Maryland Horse Industry Fund in the Department.
(c)    (1)    The Fund is a continuing, revolving special fund to be maintained by the State Treasurer.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold and the State Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(d)    The Fund shall be invested and reinvested. Any interest or other investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited and paid into the Fund.
(e)    At the end of a fiscal year, any unspent or unencumbered balance in the Fund may not revert to the General Fund of the State.
(f)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    Money made available from an assessment on equine feed as required under § 6–107.2 of this article;
(2)    Money made available to the Fund by general, federal, or special fund appropriations;
(3)    Money made available to the Fund by gifts, grants or transfers from any government or unit or instrumentality of a government or from any private sector sources; and
(4)    Money made available from licensing and inspection of horse stables as required under §§ 2–711, 2–712, and 2–713 of this subtitle.
(g)    The Board shall use the money in the Fund in accordance with the provisions of § 2–708 of this subtitle.
(h)    Except for the purposes in § 2–708.1 of this subtitle, the Board may not use any money in the Fund for any other purpose of the Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-709 - Inspectors

(a)    (1)    The Board, with the approval of the Secretary, may appoint a qualified inspector to act as its agent and make inspections throughout the State.
(2)    The inspector is entitled to:
(i)    A salary in accordance with the State budget; and
(ii)    Reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(b)    (1)    The Board may designate officers of county humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or licensed veterinarians to:
(i)    Act as its agent; and
(ii)    Make routine inspections.
(2)    An inspector designated under paragraph (1) of this subsection:
(i)    May not receive compensation; but
(ii)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-712 - Expiration and Renewal of License

(a)    A license expires on the June 30 after its effective date, unless the license is renewed for a 1–year term as provided in this section.
(b)    Before his license expires, a licensee periodically may renew his license for additional 1–year terms, if the licensee:
(1)    Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;
(2)    Pays to the Board a renewal fee of $125; and
(3)    Submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that it requires.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-713 - Inspections; Creation of Classes of Licenses

(a)    Each horse establishment licensed under this subtitle shall be inspected as determined by the Board.
(b)    Based on criteria it develops, the Board may create additional classes of licenses, all of which shall have the usual annual fee under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-714 - License to Be Property of State; Display; Transfer

(a)    A license issued under this subtitle is the property of the State and only is loaned to a licensee.
(b)    Each licensee shall display the license conspicuously on the premises where a horse establishment is operated by the licensee.
(c)    A license issued under this subtitle may not be assigned or transferred.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-715 - Suspension or Revocation of License

The Board may suspend or revoke the license issued to any licensee under this subtitle, if the licensee:
(1)    Fails to provide suitable food, water, and shelter for a horse under the control of the licensee;
(2)    Maintains an unsanitary or unfit horse establishment;
(3)    Fails to provide suitable saddles, bridles, harnesses, and other tack or equipment;
(4)    Allows unfit horses to be used for riding or driving purposes;
(5)    Refuses to allow a member of the Board to enter and inspect the licensed premises;
(6)    Obstructs any member of the Board in the performance of his duties;
(7)    Commits an act of cruelty as defined in § 10–601 of the Criminal Law Article, or allows the commission of an act of cruelty by any other person with relation to any horse under the control of the licensee;
(8)    Does any other action that, in the opinion of the Board, taking into consideration the welfare of the horses under the control of the licensee, shows that the licensee is unfit to operate a horse establishment; or
(9)    Fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the Board after receiving a license.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-716 - Impounding Horses

(a)    If, in accordance with § 10-615 of the Criminal Law Article, the Board considers it necessary to take possession of a horse to protect it from neglect or cruelty, the Board immediately shall notify the owner or custodian of this action.
(b)    The owner or custodian of the horse may petition the Board for return of the horse within 5 days after possession was taken. If a timely petition is not filed with the Board, the horse shall be treated as an estray.
(c)    (1)    If the owner or custodian files a timely petition, the Board shall return the horse if the owner or custodian:
(i)    Consents to providing proper attention to the horse, as specified by the Board; and
(ii)    Pays all costs and expenses incurred in taking possession of and stabling the horse during possession.
(2)    If the owner or custodian does not consent or pay all costs and expenses, the horse shall be treated as an estray.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-717 - Injunction

The Board may apply for relief by injunction, without bond, to enforce any provision of this subtitle or to restrain a violation of any provision of this subtitle. In these proceedings the Board does not have to allege or prove that:
(1)    An adequate remedy at law does not exist; or
(2)    Substantial or irreparable damage would result from the continued violations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 7 - Maryland Horse Industry Board › Section 2-718 - Penalty; Hearing

(a)    Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 11 months or both.
(b)    (1)    Instead of pursuing criminal penalties under subsection (a) of this section, the Board may impose an administrative penalty on any person who violates any provision of § 2–710 or § 2–715 of this subtitle.
(2)    The penalty imposed under this subsection may not exceed $2,000 for each violation of this subtitle.
(3)    All penalties collected under this subsection shall be paid into the General Fund of the State.
(4)    The Board shall adopt regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this subsection.
(c)    Except as otherwise provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, before the Board takes any action under § 2–710 or § 2–715 of this subtitle, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.
(d)    The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
(e)    The person may be represented at the hearing by counsel.
(f)    The Board may issue subpoenas in connection with any investigation of charges under § 2–710 of this subtitle or proceedings under this section.
(g)    If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, the Board may hear and determine the matter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 9 - Maryland Crop Insurance Premium Cost Share Program › Section 2-901 - Established; Purpose; Payments; Regulations

(a)    There is a Maryland Crop Insurance Premium Cost Share Program which is established for the purpose of increasing participation by farmers in the State in the Federal Crop Insurance Program and reducing a farmer’s economic losses that result from natural disasters and market volatility.
(b)    (1)    (i)    The Secretary may provide a cost share payment for a qualifying federal crop insurance product purchased by a farmer in the State.
(ii)    A cost share payment made under this section may not exceed 8% of the net book premium, as established by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation within the Risk Management Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.
(2)    The Department may distribute money under the Maryland Crop Insurance Premium Cost Share Program from funds provided in the budget.
(c)    (1)    The Secretary may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.
(2)    On or before January 1, 2008, the Secretary shall adopt regulations that establish the qualifications for a farmer’s eligibility to receive a cost share payment for crop insurance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 10 - Young Farmers Advisory Board › Section 2-1002 - Young Farmers Advisory Board

(a)    The Young Farmers Advisory Board shall consist of 20 members appointed by the Governor.
(b)    Of the 20 members:
(1)    1 shall be from the Department of Agriculture;
(2)    1 shall be from the Department of Economic Competitiveness and Commerce;
(3)    1 shall be from the Forestry Program within the Department of Natural Resources;
(4)    1 shall be an officer of the Maryland FFA Association;
(5)    1 shall be an urban farmer;
(6)    1 shall be from the Maryland Farm Bureau; and
(7)    14 shall be appointed from the general public.
(c)    To the extent practicable, the Governor shall attempt to ensure regional diversity among the members of the Advisory Board appointed from the general public.
(d)    Each member from the general public shall:
(1)    Be interested in the preservation and development of agriculture and preservation of the agricultural way of life in Maryland;
(2)    Be under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the member’s term;
(3)    Derive at least 50% of the member’s personal income from farming or agricultural activities in the State; and
(4)    Be a resident of the State.
(e)    (1)    Except for the initial terms of the Advisory Board, the term of a member shall be 3 years.
(2)    (i)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Board on October 1, 2004.
(ii)    The terms of the initial members shall be staggered evenly between 2 years and 3 years as the Advisory Board shall determine at the Board’s first meeting.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 10 - Young Farmers Advisory Board › Section 2-1003 - Duties of Advisory Board

The Advisory Board shall:
(1)    Annually elect from its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and a secretary of the Advisory Board at the Advisory Board’s first meeting of the calendar year;
(2)    Communicate to the general public, the federal government, the State government, and Maryland Agricultural Commission the importance of young and beginning farmers to agriculture in the State;
(3)    Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in the State and make recommendations to the Maryland Agricultural Commission;
(4)    Establish committees, as necessary, to develop projects relating to the aspects of life for young and beginning farmers in the State;
(5)    Hold meetings at least once during each calendar quarter of the year; and
(6)    Adopt a mission statement and administrative procedures to implement this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 10 - Young Farmers Advisory Board › Section 2-1004 - Compensation; Staff

(a)    A member of the Advisory Board:
(1)    May not receive compensation; but
(2)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(b)    The Department shall provide staff for the Advisory Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 12 - Maryland Agricultural Land Link Program › Section 2-1201 - General Consideration

(a)    In this subtitle, “Program” means the Maryland Agricultural Land Link Program.
(b)    There is a Maryland Agricultural Land Link Program in the Department, which is established for the purpose of:
(1)    Assisting older or retiring farmers in the State in the lease or sale of their agricultural land to younger or beginning farmers;
(2)    Keeping agricultural land in the State in active agricultural use; and
(3)    Reducing the amount of agricultural land in the State that is lost each year to development.
(c)    Under the Program, if sufficient funds are provided in the annual budget, the Department shall:
(1)    Maintain an on–line database to serve as an electronic bulletin board for the voluntary posting of information on:
(i)    Agricultural land available for lease;
(ii)    Agricultural land available for sale;
(iii)    Any other land available for agricultural use, lease, or sale; and
(iv)    Internship, apprenticeship, employment, and business opportunities for farmers; and
(2)    Promote the lease or sale of agricultural land from retiring farmers to beginning farmers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 14 - Maryland Dairy Farmer Emergency Trust Fund › Section 2-1401 - Maryland Dairy Farmer Emergency Trust Fund

(a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Maryland Dairy Farmer Emergency Trust Fund.
(b)    There is a Maryland Dairy Farmer Emergency Trust Fund.
(c)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance to dairy farmers during periods of economic hardship due to depressed milk prices.
(d)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(e)    (1)    At the end of each fiscal year, any unspent or unencumbered balance in the Fund that exceeds $15,000,000 shall revert to the General Fund in accordance with § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(f)    (1)    The Fund consists of:
(i)    Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(ii)    Any investment earnings of the Fund; and
(iii)    Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(2)    The Governor may include an appropriation in the State budget each fiscal year for the Fund.
(g)    The Fund may be used only to provide financial assistance to dairy farmers during periods of economic hardship due to depressed milk prices.
(h)    (1)    The Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(i)    The Secretary shall establish procedures for dairy farmers to apply for financial assistance from the Fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 15 - Emerald Ash Borer Grant Fund › Section 2-1501 - Fund

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Authorized equipment” means any equipment necessary for the management of forest land.
(ii)    “Authorized equipment” includes:
1.    Equipment necessary for the:
A.    Construction and staging of marshaling areas;
B.    Planting of trees; and
C.    Removal of trees;
2.    Vehicles capable of transporting harvested trees;
3.    Wood chippers;
4.    Materials required to administer approved products to ash trees planted in quarantined areas; and
5.    Any other appropriate equipment, as determined by the Secretary.
(3)    “Fund” means the Emerald Ash Borer Grant Fund.
(b)    There is an Emerald Ash Borer Grant Fund.
(c)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide grants to local governments, businesses, and organizations to finance purchases of authorized equipment to remove, dispose of, and replace trees infested by the emerald ash borer:
(1)    That are located within emerald ash borer quarantine areas; and
(2)    In accordance with any applicable State or federal law, regulation, or quarantine.
(d)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(e)    (1)    At the end of each fiscal year, any unspent or unencumbered balance in the Fund shall revert to the General Fund in accordance with § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(f)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund; and
(3)    Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(g)    (1)    The Fund may be used only to provide grants in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(2)    A grant provided in accordance with this section may not exceed the amount that the local government, business, or organization has appropriated to finance purchases of equipment to remove, dispose of, and replace infested trees located in areas designated under subsection (c) of this section.
(h)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(i)    The Secretary shall establish procedures for a person to apply for a grant from the Fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 16 - Spay/neuter Fund. [Effective Until October 1, 2032] › Section 2-1601 - Definitions [Subtitle Subject to Abrogation]. [Effective Until September 30, 2032]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2032 PER CHAPTERS 92 AND 472 OF 2022 //
(a)    In this  subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Advisory Board” means the Spay/Neuter Fund Advisory Board established under  § 2–1604 of this subtitle.
(c)    “Fund” means the Spay/Neuter Fund established under § 2–1602 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 16 - Spay/neuter Fund. [Effective Until October 1, 2032] › Section 2-1603 - Fees on Dog and Cat Food [Subtitle Subject to Abrogation]. [Effective Until September 30, 2032]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2032 PER CHAPTER 92 OF 2022 //
(a)    (1)    In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a fee on each brand name or product name of commercial feed that is:
(i)    Prepared and distributed for consumption by a dog or cat; and
(ii)    Registered in the State under § 6–107 of this article.
(2)    The fee established under this subsection is:
(i)    From October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014, inclusive, $50;
(ii)    From October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015, inclusive, $75; and
(iii)    After September 30, 2015, $100.
(b)    The fee established under subsection (a) of this section shall be paid by the person registering the commercial feed in accordance with the collection and reporting guidelines established by the Department by regulation.
(c)    Any fee collected under this section shall be paid into the Fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 16 - Spay/neuter Fund. [Effective Until October 1, 2032] › Section 2-1604 - Spay/neuter Advisory Board [Subtitle Subject to Abrogation]. [Effective Until September 30, 2032]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2032 PER CHAPTER 92 OF 2022 //
(a)    There is a Spay/Neuter Advisory Board.
(b)    The Advisory Board consists of:
(1)    The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee; and
(2)    The following members, appointed by the Secretary:
(i)    One representative of a private animal shelter;
(ii)    One veterinarian;
(iii)    One representative of a local animal control agency;
(iv)    One representative of the pet food industry; and
(v)    Two representatives of animal welfare advocacy organizations.
(c)    The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Advisory Board.
(d)    The Department shall provide staff support for the Advisory Board.
(e)    A member of the Advisory Board:
(1)    May not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Board; but
(2)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(f)    The Advisory Board shall advise the Department with respect to:
(1)    The administration of the Fund;
(2)    The solicitation and evaluation of competitive grant proposals;
(3)    Appropriate additional standards for grant proposals;
(4)    Additional relevant data that the Department should require from local animal shelters and appropriate animal control organizations;
(5)    The adoption of regulations that implement this subtitle; and
(6)    Any other appropriate matter with respect to the implementation of the Fund in the discretion of the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 16 - Spay/neuter Fund. [Effective Until October 1, 2032] › Section 2-1605 - Regulations [Subtitle Subject to Abrogation]. [Effective Until September 30, 2032]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2032 PER CHAPTER 92 OF 2022 //
The Department may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 17 - Animal Shelters › Section 2-1701 - "Animal Shelter" Defined

In this subtitle, “animal shelter” means:
(1)    A county or municipal animal control facility;
(2)    An organization that contracts with a county or municipality for animal control; or
(3)    An organization that shelters animals and has received a grant from the Spay/Neuter Fund under Subtitle 16 of this title during the previous year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 17 - Animal Shelters › Section 2-1703 - Written Veterinary Care Protocol Required

(a)    On or before January 1, 2017, an animal shelter shall   establish a written veterinary care protocol for dogs and cats that is consistent with guidelines set forth in the most recent Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters with respect to:
(1)    Basic care;
(2)    Sanitation;
(3)    Population management;
(4)    Disease control and prevention;
(5)    Behavioral health and mental well–being; and
(6)    Euthanasia.
(b)    The written veterinary care protocol shall include:
(1)    Standards that are necessary to protect   sheltered dogs’ and cats’ health, safety, and well–being; and
(2)    A plan for:
(i)    Quality of life enrichment;
(ii)    Veterinary care;
(iii)    Prevention and control of contagious and other diseases; and
(iv)    Any other health and environmental factors that materially affect  sheltered dogs’ and cats’ health, safety, and well–being.
(c)    An animal shelter may disregard its written veterinary care protocol for a dog or cat that is deemed to be too vicious or dangerous to permit safe handling.
(d)    An animal shelter shall update its written veterinary care protocol as necessary to reasonably accommodate any subsequent updates to the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
(e)    On request, an animal shelter shall make its written veterinary care protocol available to the public and the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 17 - Animal Shelters › Section 2-1704 - Posting and Following Written Protocol for Reclaiming Animals; Annual Summary of Intake and Disposition Data

(a)    On or before January 1, 2017, an animal shelter shall establish and make available to the public on the animal shelter’s Web site or in a conspicuous location within the animal shelter’s facility:
(1)    A written protocol for reclaiming animals from the animal shelter that includes:
(i)    The minimum holding period for stray animals;
(ii)    The hours of operation during which an animal may be reclaimed by the animal’s owner or caregiver;
(iii)    The fees associated with reclaiming an animal; and
(iv)    Any identification or documentation that must be provided to the animal shelter before an animal may be reclaimed; and
(2)    An annual summary of intake and disposition data reported to the Department in accordance with § 2–1602 of this title.
(b)    An animal shelter shall follow its written protocol for reclaiming animals.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 17 - Animal Shelters › Section 2-1705 - Standards of Care

(a)    On or before January 1, 2018, the Department shall adopt minimum standards of care for dogs and cats in animal shelters that are consistent with:
(1)    The most recent Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters; and
(2)    The most recent guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters prepared by the Professional Animal Workers of Maryland.
(b)    An animal shelter shall follow the minimum standards of care adopted by the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 18 - Pollinator Habitat Plans › Section 2-1801 - Pollinator Habitat Plan

(a)    In this section, “neonicotinoid pesticide” has the meaning stated in § 5–2A–01 of this article.
(b)    (1)    On or before July 1, 2017, subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Environmental Service, and the State Highway Administration, in consultation with the Department, each shall establish a pollinator habitat plan.
(2)    A pollinator habitat plan required under this subsection:
(i)    Shall include best management practices for the designation, maintenance, creation, enhancement, and restoration of pollinator habitat areas;
(ii)    Shall be as protective of pollinators as the Department’s managed pollinator protection plan;
(iii)    May not require an action on land that is inconsistent with any federal, State, or local law, regulation, rule, or guidance that applies to the land;
(iv)    May not require the creation of pollinator habitat on productive farmland; and
(v)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, may not allow the use of the following pesticides, seeds, or plants in an area designated or created as a pollinator habitat area in accordance with a pollinator habitat plan:
1.    Neonicotinoid pesticides;
2.    Pesticides labeled as toxic to bees or other pollinators; or
3.    Seeds or plants treated with a neonicotinoid pesticide.
(3)    (i)    Pesticides labeled as toxic to bees or other pollinators that are not neonicotinoid pesticides may be used in an area designated or created as a pollinator habitat area under a pollinator habitat plan if the Secretary of Health determines that the use is necessary to respond to a specific instance of threat to public health.
(ii)    A pollinator habitat plan required under this subsection may not restrict a farmer, or a person working under the supervision of a farmer, from using the pesticides, seeds, or plants specified under paragraph (2)(v) of this subsection for agricultural purposes, including:
1.    Crop production;
2.    Livestock;
3.    Poultry;
4.    Equine; and
5.    Noncrop agricultural fields.
(c)    The Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Environmental Service, and the State Highway Administration each shall:
(1)    On or before September 1, 2017, make available to the public on its Web site the pollinator habitat plan established in accordance with subsection (b) of this section; and
(2)    On or before July 1, 2018, implement the pollinator habitat plan established in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 19 - Maryland Healthy Soils Program › Section 2-1901 - General Consideration. [Effective Until July 1, 2030]

(a)    (1)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Healthy soils” means the continuing capacity of soil to:
(i)    Function as a biological system;
(ii)    Increase soil organic matter;
(iii)    Improve soil structure and water and nutrient holding capacity; and
(iv)    Sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(3)    “Program” means the Maryland Healthy Soils Program.
(b)    There is a Maryland Healthy Soils Program.
(c)    The purpose of the Program is to:
(1)    Improve the health, yield, and profitability of the soils of the State;
(2)    Increase biological activity and carbon sequestration in the soils of the State by promoting practices based on emerging soil science, including planting mixed cover crops, adopting no–till or low–till farming practices, and rotation grazing; and
(3)    Promote widespread use of healthy soils practices among farmers in the State.
(d)    To carry out the purposes of the Program, the Department shall:
(1)    Provide incentives, including research, education, technical assistance, and, subject to available funding, financial assistance, to farmers to implement farm management practices that contribute to healthy soils; and
(2)    Determine whether the Program may be implemented in a manner to enhance other State and federal programs that provide financial assistance to farmers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Agriculture › Title 2 - Department of Agriculture › Subtitle 20 - Urban Agriculture Grant Program › Section 2-2001 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Farm product” means:
(1)    Any agricultural, horticultural, vegetable, or fruit product of the soil, whether raw, canned, frozen, dried, pickled, or otherwise processed;
(2)    Livestock, meats, marine food products, poultry, eggs, or dairy products;
(3)    Wool, hides, feathers, nuts, or honey; and
(4)    Every product of farm, forest, orchard, garden, or water.
(c)    “Fund” means the Urban Agriculture Grant Fund.
(d)    “Program” means the Urban Agriculture Grant Program.
(e)    “Urban agricultural producer” means any person that annually sells, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of farm products in Baltimore City.