WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
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Chapter 43
(House Bill 262)
AN ACT concerning
Department of Agriculture – Maryland Agricultural Commission and Young
Farmers
FOR the purpose of altering the membership of the Maryland Agricultural Commission;
establishing the Committee on Young Farmers for certain purposes, including to
communicate to the Maryland Agricultural Commission on certain matters relating
to young farmers in the State; repealing the provisions of law establishing and
governing the Young Farmers Advisory Board; and generally relating to the
Maryland Agricultural Commission and young farmers in the State.
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Agriculture
Section 2–201, 2–202, and 2–203(a) and (c), and 2–503(a)(1)(ii)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
BY adding to
Article – Agriculture
Section 2–206
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Agriculture
Section 2–503(a)(1)(iii)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
BY repealing
Article – Agriculture
Section 2–1001 through 2–1005 and the subtitle “Subtitle 10. Young Farmers
Advisory Board”
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2024 Supplement)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Agriculture
2–201. Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE , “COMMISSION” MEANS THE MARYLAND
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHE D UNDER § 2–202 OF THIS SUBTITLE.
(B) It is the intent of the General Assembly in the enactment of this subtitle to
provide for a broadened representation in policy determinations with regard to agricultural
matters in the State.
2–202.
(A) There is a Maryland Agricultural Commission in the Department.
(B) [It] THE COMMISSION shall formulate and make proposals for the
advancement of Maryland agriculture by serving as an advisory body to the Secretary on
matters pertaining to agriculture.
2–203.
(a) The Commission [has 31 members.] CONSISTS OF:
(1) One member WHO 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[.]; AND
(2) The [Governor appoints the remaining 30 members as follows ]
FOLLOWING MEMBERS AP POINTED BY THE GOVERNOR:
[(1)] (I) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE
REPRESENTATIVE OF the dairy industry;
[(2)] (II) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE
REPRESENTATIVE OF the poultry industry;
[(3)] (III) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the livestock industry;
[(4) One from a list of at least two nominees representing the tobacco
industry;]
[(5)] (IV) [Two from a list of at least four nominees representing] ONE
REPRESENTATIVE OF the [nursery] NURSERY, LANDSCAPE, AND GREENHOUSE
industry;
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
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[(6)] (V) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the [horticulture] FRUIT industry;
[(7)] (VI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the field crops industry;
[(8)] (VII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the vegetable industry;
[(9)] (VIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the veterinary profession;
[(10)] (IX) One [from a list of at least two nominees] REPRESENTATIVE of
the Maryland State Grange;
[(11)] (X) One [from a list of at least two nominees] REPRESENTATIVE of
the Maryland Farm Bureau;
[(12)] (XI) [Two without nomination appointed at large from ] ONE
REPRESENTATIVE OF services related to agriculture;
[(13)] (XII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the turf industry;
[(14)] (XIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing the
horse–breeding] REPRESENTATIVE OF TH E EQUINE industry;
[(15)] (XIV) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the food processing industry;
[(16)] (XV) One [without nomination appointed at large from ]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the general public to be the consumer member;
[(17)] (XVI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the organic farming industry;
[(18)] (XVII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF direct farm marketing;
[(19)] (XVIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF viticulture;
[(20)] (XIX) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF agriculture education in primary or secondary schools; Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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[(21)] (XX) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF agri–business;
[(22)] (XXI) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the forestry industry;
[(23)] (XXII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the aquaculture industry;
[(24)] (XXIII) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing
agri–tourism] REPRESENTATIVE OF VA LUE–ADDED AGRICULTURE AN D
AGRITOUR ISM;
[(25)] (XXIV) One [from a list of two nominees representing ]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the biofuel industry; [and]
[(26)] (XXV) One [from a list of at least two nominees representing]
REPRESENTATIVE OF the hemp industry;
(XXVI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTROLLED
ENVIRONMENTAL AGRICU LTURE INDUSTRY ;
(XXVII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF SOCIALLY
DISADVANTAGED FARMER S;
(XXVIII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF VETERAN FARMERS ;
(XXIX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE ON
YOUNG FARMERS;
(XXX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF URBAN AND SMALL FARM ERS;
AND
(XXXI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF NEW AND BEGINNING
FARMERS.
(c) (1) The term of membership is 3 years.
(2) 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.]
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
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2–206.
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “COMMITTEE” MEANS THE COMMITTEE ON YOUNG
FARMERS.
(B) THERE IS A COMMITTEE ON YOUNG FARMERS.
(C) (1) THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF 10 MEMBERS DESIGNATED B Y THE
SECRETARY IN CONSULTA TION WITH THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION.
(2) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS
PARAGRAPH , THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIG NATE THE MEMBERS OF THE
COMMITTEE ON AN ANNUA L BASIS.
(II) A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE THAT IS APP OINTED AS A
MEMBER OF THE MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MAY CO NTINUE TO
SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE UNTIL THE E XPIRATION OF THEIR T ERM ON THE
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION.
(D) (1) EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE SHALL :
(I) BE INTERESTED IN THE PRESERVATION AND
DEVELOPMENT OF MARYLAND AGRICULTURE ;
(II) DERIVE AT LEAST 50% OF THE MEMBER ’S PERSONAL
INCOME FROM FARMING OR AGRICULTURAL ACTI VITIES IN THE STATE;
(III) BE A RESIDENT OF THE STATE; AND
(IV) BE UNDER THE AGE OF 45 YEARS AT THE BEGINNI NG OF THE
MEMBER’S TERM.
(2) TO THE EXTENT PRACTIC ABLE, THE ME MBERS OF THE
COMMITTEE SHALL REPRE SENT REGIONAL DIVERS ITY AND A VARIETY OF
INDUSTRIES.
(E) THE COMMITTEE SHALL :
(1) COMMUNICATE TO THE GE NERAL PUBLIC , STATE GOVERNMENT ,
AND THE MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION THE IMPORT ANCE OF YOUNG
AND BEGINNING FAR MERS TO AGRICULTURE IN THE STATE;
Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(2) IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS ISSUES RELATING TO Y OUNG AND
BEGINNING FARMERS IN THE STATE AND MAKE RECOMM ENDATIONS TO THE
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION; AND
(3) HOLD MEETINGS AT LEAS T ONCE DURING EACH C ALENDAR
QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
(F) A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE:
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION; BUT
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET .
(G) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE COMMITTEE.
2–503.
(a) (1) The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation shall be
governed and administered by a board of trustees composed of:
(ii) Nine members from the State at–large to be appointed by the
Governor, at least six of whom shall be farmer representatives who are engaged in or
retired from active farming from different areas of the State, and four of whom shall be
appointed as follows:
1. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
Maryland Agricultural Commission;
2. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
Maryland Farm Bureau;
3. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
Maryland State Grange; and
4. One from a list of three nominees submitted by the
COMMITTEE ON Young Farmers [Advisory Board]; and
(iii) Any designee appointed by an ex officio member under
paragraph (3) of this subsection.
[Subtitle 10. Young Farmers Advisory Board.]
[2–1001.
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
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There is a Young Farmers Advisory Board in the Department.]
[2–1002.
(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.
Ch. 43 2025 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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(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.]
[2–1003.
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.]
[2–1004.
(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.]
[2–1005.
The chairperson, or the chairperson’s designee, shall:
(1) Attend meetings of the Maryland Agricultural Commission; and
(2) Provide a quarterly report to the Maryland Agricultural Commission.] WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 43
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SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2025.
Approved by the Governor, April 8, 2025.