Bill > SB473

This bill expands the Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program (MD FARM) by establishing a new Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Operating Fund and defining "qualified suppliers" as agricultural businesses or nonprofits that meet specific criteria: operating on at least 100 acres, producing at least 1,000,000 pounds of produce annually, and donating at least 25% of their annual harvest to state food banks and charitable emergency food providers at no cost. The bill requires the Governor to include a $1,000,000 annual appropriation to this new Operating Fund beginning in fiscal year 2027. The purpose of the Operating Fund is to provide grants to these qualified suppliers to help cover operational costs associated with supplying agricultural food products to food banks and emergency food providers, thereby enhancing the state's food system resiliency and supporting efforts to alleviate food insecurity. The Operating Fund will be administered by the state's agricultural department, held separately by the State Treasurer, and can receive funding from state budget appropriations and other sources. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0473?ys=2025RS