Maryland § 2-2403 - IN EFFECT

§ 2-2403. IN EFFECT

    IN EFFECT

    // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTER 430 OF 2025 //

    To carry out the purposes of the Program the Department shall, subject to the discretion of the Secretary:

        (1)    Assign a Program administrator and provide for adequate administrative support;

        (2)    In consultation with members of the agricultural, conservation, environmental, and higher education communities, develop and promote a suite of conservation practices and community best practices eligible for the Program, including:

            (i)    Conservation tillage;

            (ii)    Nutrient input reduction;

            (iii)    Cover crop plantings;

            (iv)    Use of natural filters;

            (v)    Conserving and increasing wildlife and pollinator habitats;

            (vi)    Healthy soils practices;

            (vii)    Facilitating work experience focused on agriculture in underserved communities;

            (viii)    Partnering with operators to improve conservation practices on leased land;

            (ix)    Liaising between the Department and underserved communities to facilitate outreach and identify barriers to Department programs reaching broader audiences;

            (x)    Participating in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program;

            (xi)    Partnering with food banks or nonprofit organizations to address food insecurity;

            (xii)    Participating in the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program;

            (xiii)    Using on–farm renewable energy;

            (xiv)    Mentoring new and beginning farmers;

            (xv)    Partnering with an institution of higher education or qualified technical service provider to conduct field–based research; or

            (xvi)    Installation of a fixed natural buffer, including within a 100–foot tidal buffer;

        (3)    In consultation with members of the agricultural, conservation, environmental, and higher education communities, develop criteria and appropriate evaluation measures to establish the tiers of recognition for Program certification that includes consideration of:

            (i)    Proximity of a conservation practice or community best practice to waters of the State;

            (ii)    The extent to which a conservation practice or community best practice protects or restores the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area or other area designated for regulation or special protection under a federal or State law; and

            (iii)    The extent to which a conservation practice or community best practice engages with and benefits overburdened and underserved communities;

        (4)    Evaluate applications on a continuing basis and confirm participant compliance with Program criteria; and

        (5)    Coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of the Environment, and the Maryland Energy Administration, as appropriate, to establish incentives for participation in the Program.