Bill > HB262

This bill makes several significant changes to Maryland's agricultural governance and representation. It modifies the Maryland Agricultural Commission by reducing the number of members and changing how they are appointed, eliminating the requirement for multiple nominees from each industry and instead specifying one representative per sector. The bill establishes a new Committee on Young Farmers, consisting of 10 members designated by the Secretary of Agriculture, with specific eligibility requirements including being under 45 years old, deriving at least 50% of personal income from farming, and being a Maryland resident. The committee's primary responsibilities include communicating the importance of young and beginning farmers, identifying and addressing their issues, and making recommendations to the Maryland Agricultural Commission. Additionally, the bill alters the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation's board of trustees, requiring nine members appointed by the Governor, with at least six being farmer representatives and four appointed from specific agricultural organizations. The bill also repeals the existing Young Farmers Advisory Board, effectively replacing it with the new Committee on Young Farmers. These changes aim to modernize agricultural representation and support for young farmers in Maryland, with the new provisions set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

Environment and Transportation (H)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0262?ys=2025RS