Events

This panel will look through the agriculture lens at two bills that passed in the last General Assembly.  The Citizen Intervention Bill (HB76/SB334) expands the scope of who has standing to intervene in civil actions brought by the State in state court regarding enforcement of water pollution control or any related discharge permit, effluent limitation, or order issued by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).  The Environmental Enforcement Reporting Act (HB204/SB324) requires MDE to keep — and make accessible to…

This panel will discuss NRCS programs, including common legal considerations when entering NRCS program contracts and benefits of participation, and highlight the UME Cultivating Conservation Project, which will create resources for farmers navigating the application and administration processes. Presenters:  Dr. Sarah Hirsh, Ag Agent, University of Maryland Extension – Lower Eastern Shore Bianca Soto-Gomez, District Conservationist, Natural Resource Conservation Service Sarah Everhart, Senior Research Associate and Legal Specialist, Agriculture Law Education Initiative

This panel will focus on the statutory tools created in the 2020 Maryland General Assembly to assist the agricultural sector in reaching the 2025 Chesapeake Bay Clean-up goals. The experts will discuss the increase in funding available via the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program, the Clean Water Commerce Act, and more.  Presenters:  Jason Keppler, Watershed Implementation Program Manager, Acting Conservation Grants Program Manager, Maryland Department of Agriculture  Mark Hoffman, Maryland Director, Chesapeake Bay Commission.   

Paul will highlight this year’s developing legal issues in agricultural, environmental, and food law from courtroom decisions, law, and policy and will let attendees know what issues to watch in 202. Presenter:  Paul Goeringer, Extension Legal Specialist    

Carbon credits are a growing interest in the agricultural community not only by producers but by landowners.  This session will highlight the latest that is being considered on Capitol Hill along with what Marylanders need to take into account currently in the market. Presenters:  Dr. Shannon Ferrell, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University.