Read more about the article Maryland Department of Agriculture Expands Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Zone
Agriculture
Maryland Department of Agriculture Expands Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Zone

The Maryland Department of Agriculture expanded its spotted lanternfly quarantine to include the following counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington and Wicomico, as well as Baltimore City. The quarantine is effective immediately, and restricts the movement of regulated articles that might contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages, including egg masses, nymphs, and adults. “The spotted lanternfly continues to be…

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March 13, 2023
Read more about the article Department of Agriculture Offers Grant to Promote Maryland Specialty Crops
Agriculture
Department of Agriculture Offers Grant to Promote Maryland Specialty Crops

Government entities can now apply for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a reimbursement grant program aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Maryland’s specialty crops. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a reimbursement grant program aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Maryland’s specialty crops. The department anticipates that approximately $400,000 in funding will be available. MDA is seeking applications from eligible non-profit organizations, government…

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February 23, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Support Clarifying Ag Assessment Rates, Urge Local Input
Agriculture / MACo Testimony / Taxes and Revenues
Counties Support Clarifying Ag Assessment Rates, Urge Local Input

On February 21, 2023, MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 0592 - Property Tax - Agricultural Land and Improvements - Assessment with amendments. This bill would require an improvement on land that qualifies for an agricultural use assessment to be assessed as agricultural property under specified circumstances. Currently, state law creates a special, statutory scheme for assessing land subject to active agricultural use. This exception…

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February 22, 2023
Read more about the article MACo to House: Watch Revenues, Zoning on Cannabis Reform
Agriculture / Cannabis / Economic Development / Health and Human Services / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning / Public Safety and Corrections / Taxes and Revenues
MACo to House: Watch Revenues, Zoning on Cannabis Reform

On February 17, 2023, MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the House Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 0556 - Cannabis Reform with amendments. The Senate Finance Committee will consider the bill's cross-file, SB 0516, on March 9. HB 0556 is far-reaching in scope—from renaming existing regulatory commissions, to establishing a tax regime on the sale and use of cannabis, this legislation seeks to make real the will of Maryland voters following the November…

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February 20, 2023
Read more about the article Why the U.S. Farm Bill Matters to Counties – A NACo Guide
Agriculture / Economic Development / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues
Why the U.S. Farm Bill Matters to Counties – A NACo Guide

The 2023 U.S. Farm Bill reauthorization process can be complicated, but the National Association of Counties has a primer to walk county governments through the process and what to expect. The National Association of Counties (NACo) has provided a primer on the 2023 Farm Bill to break down its importance for county governments and step readers through the reauthorization process in an easy-to-read way.  Resources in the primer include highlights of programs of interest, a…

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January 23, 2023
Read more about the article PA Lagging on Chesapeake Blueprint Implementation, Holding MD and VA Back
Agriculture / Economic Development / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations
PA Lagging on Chesapeake Blueprint Implementation, Holding MD and VA Back

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s 2022 State of The Blue Print shows progress, but more work is needed.  The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) recently released its 2022 State of The Blueprint. The report showed significant strides in meeting the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint by the 2025 implementation deadline. The Blueprint is a plan outlining pollution reduction targets for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, the three states that make up 90% of the Chesapeake Bay’s pollution. https://twitter.com/chesapeakebay/status/1612495938794176512 Maryland and Virginia…

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January 10, 2023
Read more about the article EPA & Army Finalize Rule Defining Waters of the United States
Agriculture / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
EPA & Army Finalize Rule Defining Waters of the United States

The EPA and the US Army recently finalized rules defining WOTUS and restoring fundamental water protections.  Earlier this week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a final rule establishing a durable definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to reduce uncertainty from changing regulatory definitions, protect people’s health, and support economic opportunity. The final rule restores essential water protections that were in place prior…

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January 10, 2023
Read more about the article Talbot Receives $500K for Agricultural Biotechnology Manufacturing
Agriculture / Economic Development / Environment
Talbot Receives $500K for Agricultural Biotechnology Manufacturing

Talbot County received a $500,000 grant from the USDA to help grow the region's agricultural biotechnology manufacturing sector.  Earlier this month Talbot County was awarded $500,000 from the Hogan Administration and the USDA in order to help spur the region's agricultural biotechnology manufacturing sector. The funds will go towards a new center to serve as a business incubator and give a select handful of startup companies a place to grow. The new center will hold…

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December 19, 2022
Read more about the article Wicomico Launches Poultry Building Removal Program
Agriculture / County News / Environment / Winter Conference
Wicomico Launches Poultry Building Removal Program

Wicomico County is pleased to announce a new program: Clean Up Wicomico – Poultry Building Removal. The program will allot MS4 funds to assist in the removal of outdated and unused Poultry House structures. With approximately 88,559 acres of farmland within the County, the ability to identify opportunities within the County to reduce impervious surfaces was recognized as a benefit to meeting MS4 requirements while also providing assistance to agricultural landowners. The County’s MS4 Permit…

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December 5, 2022
Read more about the article Frederick Agriculture Operations Diversify Using Innovation Grants
Agriculture / County News
Frederick Agriculture Operations Diversify Using Innovation Grants

Farmers and others in Frederick County’s agriculture industry are creating value-added products and services with support from Agriculture Innovation Grants. This award-winning grant program helps to ensure the industry thrives into the future. Today Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced $113,000 in Agriculture Innovation Grants to nine farming operations. The competitive grant program provides funds twice a year to encourage diversification and innovation in farm operations. “My goal is to leave a legacy of agriculture…

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November 30, 2022
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