Agriculture is the largest commercial industry in Maryland contributing over $8 billion dollars to the state’s economy. The Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) began in 2013 in response to a realization that Maryland’s farm families need more information about the laws that impact their operations. ALEI is comprised of legal specialists and other extension specialists who help farmers understand and comply with state, federal and local laws and regulations.

ALEI legal specialists stay up-to-date on legal issues and educate growers and producers on relevant laws as well as available resources.

This education comes in the form of conferences, in-person education programs, legal publications, partnerships, webinars, videos and articles in farming periodicals. 

ALEI’s resources help farmers identify legal risk and take action to protect the viability of their businesses. When Maryland’s farm families are able to understand and navigate laws that impact them, it benefits their operations, the agricultural food network, and the entire state.