Agriculture Law Education Initiative

Farmers' Market Manager Workshop
2022-02-09 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Online
Alison and Luke HowardHomestead Farm CSA. Image by Edwin Remsberg
The University of Maryland Extension – Maryland SNAP-Ed Program, in partnership with the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) is offering free workshops for farmer vendors and for market managers.
Learn about:
Best practices in food safety for farmer vendors and farmers’ market managers
Marketing and promotion techniques to increase healthy food access, and farmer and market revenue
Participants can receive free resources to support best practices learned in the workshop:
Farmers Market Food Safety Compliance Kit that includes signage, checklists, and more!
Portable handwashing stations are also available for markets that did not receive one in 2021
MD SNAP-Ed e-resources to make healthy food access changes at markets and at vendor booths
Registration is required for these free workshops – please click on the link below to complete the registration and save your spot for a market manager or a farmer vendor session.
For more information, please contact Lynn Rubin Traversa, MD SNAP-Ed Healthy Food Systems Coordinator, lrubin@umd.edu

Family Communications and Estate Planning Workshop for Farm Families - Western MD
2022-02-12 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Carroll County Extension Office, 700 Agricultural Center Drive, Westminster, 21157, United States
Image of Alex Chan presenting by Edwin Remsberg
Each standalone workshop will cover the essentials of estate planning, as well as practical activities to assist with family communication about business matters. Lunch will be provided.
The workshop is free of charge thanks to funding from the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center.
Logos for NERME and USDA-NIFA with grant statement.

Farmers' Market Vendor Workshop
2022-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Online
Alison and Luke HowardHomestead Farm CSA. Image by Edwin Remsberg
The University of Maryland Extension – Maryland SNAP-Ed Program, in partnership with the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) is offering free workshops for farmer vendors and for market managers.
Learn about:
Best practices in food safety for farmer vendors and farmers’ market managers
Marketing and promotion techniques to increase healthy food access, and farmer and market revenue
Participants can receive free resources to support best practices learned in the workshop:
Farmers Market Food Safety Compliance Kit that includes signage, checklists, and more!
Portable handwashing stations are also available for markets that did not receive one in 2021
MD SNAP-Ed e-resources to make healthy food access changes at markets and at vendor booths
Registration is required for these free workshops – please click on a link below to complete the registration and save your spot for a market manager or a farmer vendor session.
https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErce6gpjwpGdBgnXww8ErK3z5BIXKMFOI9
For more information, please contact Lynn Rubin Traversa, MD SNAP-Ed Healthy Food Systems Coordinator, lrubin@umd.edu

Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Produce Safety Rule Grower Training
2022-02-17 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | St. Mary’s County UME Office, 26737 Radio Station Way Suite E-2, Leonardtown, MD, 20650, United States
WHY

Learn about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) regulations and how they apply to your operation.
This class is a one time federal requirement for farmers growing fresh produce.

INCLUDES

Course Materials (Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2)
PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion (attendance for all modules required)
Light breakfast and lunch

FSMA Produce Safety Grower Training
2022-03-16 12:30 - 16:45 UTC | Virtual
Box of assorted fruits and vegetables for a CSA share
About this Event:
This course will be delivered remotely via Zoom in 2 half-day sessions:
March 16th & March 17th, 12:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Registration Includes:
• Course Materials (Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2)
• Course Certificate from the Produce Safety Alliance upon successful completion of course materials
Participation requirements for this web-based course include:
• High-speed internet connection
• Computer or other appropriate device with webcam and microphone, which must remain functional for the duration of the course, to verify participation of each attendee.
• Course attendance and participation will be monitored through chat, polling, and other engagement. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.
• Troubleshooting is available for participants with unstable internet. Any make-up sections, due to lost internet connection etc. must be coordinated individually with the trainers.
• A hard-copy Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2 will be shipped to each attendee prior to the course administration. Course registration will close approximately 7 working days prior to the course to facilitate book shipment. Please be sure the shipping address you provide at the time of registration is capable of receiving packages.
• Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations within one week of completing the course. Evaluations and a link for the training will be sent in a confirmation email prior to the training date.
Who Should Attend?
Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’
What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?
The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:
• Introduction to Produce Safety
• Role of MD Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews
• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
• Soil Amendments
• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors.
Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA]/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Soil Amendments Workshop
2022-03-22 08:30 - 15:30 UTC | Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Photo Credit Edwin Remsberg. Image shows pile of compost.
The training will cover best practices of using and making biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO), such as compost, within the context of the Produce Safety Rule. Learn more about BSAAOs and the Produce Safety Rule from perspectives from industry, cooperative extension, and regulatory agencies.
Speakers will provide an overview on the Produce Safety Rule and draft guidance to understand the current regulatory framework and requirements, the basics of how to compost, benefits of using BSAAOs to the soil and the farm. The intent is to help growers understand risks and benefits of using BSAAOs and how to comply with the current requirements. It will also provide an update on the status of BSAAO Risk Assessment, associated research, and discuss the possible future of Subpart F provisions for the use of untreated BSAAO on covered farms.
$10 ticket fee covers expenses for the provided light breakfast and lunch. Attendees will receive a certificate of workshop completion for their records.
Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA]/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Herb Drying in Maryland
2022-04-19 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Virtual
UMES Extension’s Herb Specialist, Henriette den Ouden, Agricultural Faculty Legal Specialist, Nicole Cook, and Food Safety Specialist, Dr. Melinda Schwarz, will walk you through UMES Extension’s new online “Help With Herb Drying in Maryland” guide.
Image is a hand picking a basil plant leaf and caption says “Help With Herb Drying In Maryland”

Overview of Business Structure and Formation Webinar
2022-08-01 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
ALEI August Webinar Series 2022 – Farm Business Structure Options

About this event

The ALEI August Webinar Series on Legal Considerations for Choosing Your Farm Business Structure. This series of webinars will help new and beginning farm entrepreneurs understand their options when choosing a business structure, commercial insurance needs and considerations, accounting and tax implications of business structures, and feature farmer speakers to discuss their experiences with their chosen business organization. Each webinar will include approximately 20 minutes for group discussion and Q & A.

Farm Business Structure Options – This session will cover the basic business structure types, including pros and cons, and formation requirements. This session will also feature a grower presenter, Tope Fanjingbesi of DoDo Farms, to discuss her experiences and advice for farm entrepreneurs.
Speakers: Margaret (Megan) Todd, Esq. & Tope Fajingbesi
Temitope (Tope) Fajingbesi is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Nigerian Chartered Accountant. She is also an Africa-focused social entrepreneur and a published author. Prior to joining the IAA, Tope served several Washington D.C. organizations as an outsourced financial consultant after leaving her full-time position at the American Federation of Teachers as an Assistant Director of Financial Services in 2015. Tope is passionate about serving her communities in Nigeria and the United States. She co-founded United for Kids Foundation, an international organization committed to creating a better world for children from low-income families through the education, healthcare and social welfare initiatives in 2002. She also hosted Impact Africa, a radio program that inspired listeners to participate actively in African development through entrepreneurship from 2013 to 2015. Tope frequently speaks to global audiences with a mission to inspire. She was the keynote speaker at Grand Rapids City High School’s 2017 graduation ceremony, and has taught financial management courses to female entrepreneurs in Maryland and Washington D.C. through the Latino Economic Development Council since 2012.
Tope is married to Niyi Balogun, a farmer who manages their joint venture, Dodo Farms, a Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) produce farm in Montgomery County Maryland.
Margaret (Megan) Todd, Esq. is a Legal Research Associate with the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI). She graduated from the Maryland Carey School of Law and has a background in environmental studies and policy. As part of her work with ALEI, Megan does extensive research into agriculture labor law issues, food safety, conservation leasing, environmental law, contracting, risk management strategies, and land use law.

This work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant no. 2021-49400-35619 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Choosing Your Farm Business Structure Webinar
2022-08-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
Photo Credit – Edwin Remsberg. A table covered in quart boxes of cherry tomatoes.
The ALEI August Webinar Series on Legal Considerations for Choosing Your Farm Business Structure. This series of webinars will help new and beginning farm entrepreneurs understand their options when choosing a business structure, commercial insurance needs and considerations, accounting and tax implications of business structures, and feature farmer speakers to discuss their experiences with their chosen business organization. Each webinar will include ample time for group discussion and Q & A.
Choosing Your Farm Business Structure – This session will cover the basics of the business structure options, formation requirements, and personal liability exposures for each.
Speaker: TBD, Maryland Small Business Development Center
This work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant no. 2021-49400-35619 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
If you have questions contact, Megan Todd, motodd@law.umaryland.edu.

Figuring Out Your Commercial Insurance Needs Webinar
2022-08-15 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
Photo Credit – Edwin Remsberg. Table covered in quart boxes of cherry tomatoes.
The ALEI August Webinar Series on Legal Considerations for Choosing Your Farm Business Structure. This series of webinars will help new and beginning farm entrepreneurs understand their options when choosing a business structure, commercial insurance needs and considerations, accounting and tax implications of business structures, and feature farmer speakers to discuss their experiences with their chosen business organization.
Figuring Out Your Commercial Insurance Needs – This session will cover the basics of the commercial insurance options, assessing your coverage needs, and communicating with your insurance agent.
Speaker: Robert Baron, Associate Commissioner, Property & Casualty Division, Maryland Insurance Administration
This work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant no. 2021-49400-35619 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

If you have questions about this event contact Megan Todd, motodd@law.umaryland.edu.

Understanding Tax & Accounting Implications of Business Structures
2022-08-22 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
Photo Credit – Edwin Remsberg. A table covered in quart boxes of cherry tomatoes.
The ALEI August Webinar Series on Legal Considerations for Choosing Your Farm Business Structure. This series of webinars will help new and beginning farm entrepreneurs understand their options when choosing a business structure, commercial insurance needs and considerations, accounting and tax implications of business structures, and feature farmer speakers to discuss their experiences with their chosen business organization. Each webinar will include ample time for group discussion and Q & A.
Understanding Tax & Accounting Implications of Business Structures – This session will cover the basics of business accounting and tax implications associated with the various business forms.
Speaker: Chukwunwike Onuaku, CPA, Senior Consultant, W2 Group, LLC
This work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant no. 2021-49400-35619 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
If you have questions, please contact Megan Todd, motodd@law.umaryland.edu

2022 Ag and Environmental Law Conference
2022-10-28 08:00 - 16:00 UTC | Crowne Plaza Annapolis, 173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Image from 2019 Conference held in Annapolis Maryland by Edwin Remsberg
ALEI hosts an Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference annually. This event attracts agricultural service providers, attorneys, educators, environmentalists, producers, policymakers, and students to discuss the complex intersection of environmental regulation and agriculture in Maryland. ALEI prides itself on hosting an event that brings agriculture and conservation experts together in a forum that allows for exchanging ideas and education for conference attendees on current legal topics of interest. This year’s conference will be held in person and virtually on October 28, 2022, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis. Registration is now available!
Click Here to Register!

7:30 a.m. – Registration and Breakfast 8:20 a.m. Welcome Remarks by- Dr. Moses Kairo, Dean & Professor, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)8:30 a.m. – A Look at Maryland’s New Partition of Property Act: How It Restores Hope for Heirs Property Owners9:15 a.m. – Challenges of Hemp Over the Past 7 Years and Into the Future10:00 a.m. -Break & Networking10:15 a.m. –Environmental Justice in Maryland- How Recent Changes to State Law Impact Equity11:00 a.m. – 2022 Ag and Environmental Review and What to Look Out For in 202311:45a.m – Pre-Lunch Address by- Dean Renee Hutchins 11:55 a.m. – Lunch12:45 p.m. -Keynote Panel: Farm Bill Panel1:50 p.m. – Break & Networking2:05 p.m. – Handling Food Waste – Organic Waste Reduction, Diversion, & Rescue Efforts in MarylandClosing Remarks by – 2:50 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Dr. Jinhee Kim, Professor and Assistant Director, University of Maryland Extension.

Hybrid Remote: PSA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training
2022-12-07 12:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Who Should Attend?

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires

‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?

The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:

Introduction to Produce Safety

Role of Maryland Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews

Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

Soil Amendments

Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)

Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors.

Registration Includes:

Course Materials (Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2)

Course Certificate from the Produce Safety Alliance upon successful completion of course materials

Participation requirements for in-person attendees include:

Course attendance and participation will be monitored. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.

A hard-copy Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2 will be available to each attendee prior to the course administration.

Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations within one week of completing the course.

Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

In-Person PSA: Produce Safety Rule Grower Training
2023-01-23 08:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)

So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland Workshops
2023-01-26 09:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Landowner Oriented Agricultural Law Workshops Will Be Held Across Maryland

College Park, MD – The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) will host two one-day workshops on Jan. 26th in Boonsboro and Jan. 31st at Chesapeake College. The So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland workshops will be from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The free program will cover those legal issues that Maryland landowners may face. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center.

The workshop will feature Paul Goeringer, a Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. The workshops will also involve research related to solar development by Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC.

“These workshops will be a great opportunity for landowners and other professionals in rural areas to learn about some of the basic legal issues that many deal with daily. They can understand their rights and responsibilities whether they are involved in agriculture or own land in a rural area,” said Goeringer.

Lunch is provided with the workshops. Each workshop will begin at 9 am with a check-in, and the workshops will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The dates and locations are:

January 26, Washington County University of Maryland Extension Office, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, and

January 31, Chesapeake College, 110 Higher Education Center, 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679.

Participants will receive copies of Extension fact sheets and other valuable documents as a part of the workshop series.

For more information or to register, go to https://agrisk.umd.edu/events. For more information, please get in touch with Paul Goeringer at lgoering@umd.edu.

This is material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021‐70027‐34693.

So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland workshops
2023-01-31 09:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Landowner Oriented Agricultural Law Workshops Will Be Held Across Maryland

College Park, MD – The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) will host two one-day workshops on Jan. 26th in Boonesboro and Jan. 31st at Chesapeake College. The So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland workshops will be from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The free program will cover those legal issues that Maryland landowners may face. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center.

The workshop will feature Paul Goeringer, a Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. The workshops will also involve research related to solar development by Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC.

“These workshops will be a great opportunity for landowners and other professionals in rural areas to learn about some of the basic legal issues that many deal with daily. They can understand their rights and responsibilities whether they are involved in agriculture or own land in a rural area,” said Goeringer.

Lunch is provided with the workshops. Each workshop will begin at 9 am with a check-in, and the workshops will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The dates and locations are:

January 26, Washington County University of Maryland Extension Office, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, and

January 31, Chesapeake College, 110 Higher Education Center, 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679.

Participants will receive copies of Extension fact sheets and other valuable documents as a part of the workshop series.

For more information or to register, go to https://agrisk.umd.edu/events. For more information, please get in touch with Paul Goeringer at lgoering@umd.edu.

This is material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021‐70027‐34693.

In-Person PSA: Produce Safety Rule Grower Training for Urban Farmers
2023-02-10 08:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Anne Arundel County Extension Office, 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, Maryland, 21054, United States

Agribusiness Tax Management Workshop
2023-02-16 13:00 - 17:00, 2023-02-17 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | UMES Research, Education, & Extension Farm, 10789 Stewart Neck Road, Princess Anne, MD, 21853, United States
Description: UMES Extension’s Agriculture Law Education Initiative, UMES Extension’s Small Farm Program, The Tennie Group LLC, and Horizon Farm Credit are providing a comprehensive, two-day, 8-hour, in-person workshop designed to educate agricultural producers on the basics of agricultural tax management. The workshop will equip farmers with a better understanding of business and agricultural taxes. Some of the topics covered include: business structure and tax considerations, tax liability issues and helpful resources, understanding basic tax documents, how depreciation should be reflected on tax returns, along with business planning and financial statements. The goal of the workshop is to impart general information, not individual tax preparation. Participants remain responsible for obtaining tax advice from their own independent advisors on their particular circumstances. The workshop takes place from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, February 17. Pre-registration is required. The $20 fee covers both days of the workshop along with educational materials and lunch on the second day. The in-person event will be held at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Research, Extension and Teaching Farm on Stewart Neck Road in Princess Anne, Md. For more information or if you require special accommodations to attend, please contact UMES Small Farm Program Coordinator, Berran Rogers, at blrogers@umes.edu.

Dates/Times: Thursday, Feb. 16, 1-5pm and Friday, Feb. 17, 10am – 2pm

Location: UMES Research, Extension and Teaching Farm, 10789 Stewart Neck Road, Princess Anne, MD 21853

How To Register: Register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/agribusiness-tax-management-workshop-tickets-522559608857?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Topics: Asset Protection, Business Structure, Farm Tax Issues & Tax Planning

Soil Amendment Workshop
2023-03-09 08:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD, 20855, United States
Registration is open for an upcoming workshop on soil amendments and composting for Maryland produce growers. The workshop is part of ongoing collaborative work with the Maryland Food Safety Network, Future Harvest, and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance to provide food safety education that helps growers understand and implement federal regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
The single-day Soil Amendments Workshop will be hosted at the Montgomery County Agricultural History Farm Park to help growers understand best practices of using and making biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO), such as compost. Attendees will hear perspectives from industry, University of Maryland Extension, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Date and time: March 9, 2023, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM EDT
Location: Agricultural History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, Maryland 20855
Cost: $10 (covers expenses for the provided light breakfast and lunch)
Register: Online https://soilamendmentworkshop.eventbrite.com or

Contact Megan Todd, motodd@law.umaryland.edu, 316-993-5293

Soil amendments are any of the materials growers add to the soil – like compost and fertilizers – to improve its physical or chemical properties and promote better crop growth. Biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) are those that come from animals, like manure or animal mortalities, and can include pre- and post-consumer waste like table scraps. Proper use of soil amendments is critical for managing soil fertility, improving soil quality, and often results in healthier and tastier crops.
However, soil amendments, particularly BSAAOs, that are untreated or inadequately treated prior to application can contain harmful human pathogens that can cause foodborne illness in consumers. This topic is especially relevant to growers of specialty crops that are typically eat raw and produce covered by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSR).
Workshop speakers will provide an overview on the PSR and draft guidance from the FDA to understand the current regulatory framework and requirements regarding soil amendments, the basics of how to compost, and the benefits of using BSAAOs to the soil and the farm. The intent is to help growers understand risks and benefits of using BSAAOs and how to comply with the current requirements. It will also provide an update on the status of BSAAO Risk Assessment, associated research, and discuss the possible future of Subpart F provisions for the use of untreated BSAAO on covered farms. Attendees will receive a certificate of workshop completion for their records.
This workshop is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $856,887 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Landowner Oriented Agricultural Law Webinars
2023-03-31 12:00 - 2023-04-28 13:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom, 3222 Symons Hall 7998 Regents Drive, College Park, 20740, United States
College Park, MD – The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) will host five webinars via zoom every Friday starting on Friday, March 31st, and ending on Friday, April 28th. The free webinars will cover those legal issues that Maryland landowners may face. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center.
The webinars will feature Paul Goeringer, a Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. As well as additional feature speakers Tim Bishton with Crow Insurance Agency, Stephanie Brophy with Dulany Leahy Curtis & Brophy LLP, and Brooke Schumm with Levin Gann, P.A.
“These webinars will be a great opportunity for landowners and other professionals in rural areas to learn about some of the basic legal issues that many deal with daily. They can understand their rights and responsibilities whether they are involved in agriculture or own land in a rural area,” said Goeringer.
Each webinar will begin at 12:00 pm and run to 1:30 pm. The dates and topics are:

March 31st- Negligence, Livestock, and Guests on Farmland
April 7th- Fencing and Right to Farm
April 14- Agricultural Leasing
April 21- Understanding Insurance
April 28- Working with an Ag Law Attorney

Participants will receive copies of Extension fact sheets and other valuable documents as a part of the workshop series.
To register, please visit http://bit.ly/3I7CfRG. For more information, please get in touch with Paul Goeringer at lgoering@umd.edu.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact rzimmer7@umd.edu.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021‐70027‐34693.

What to Know Webinar on USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program
2023-08-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Online
The new USDA’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program makes $2.2 billion available to assist farmers, ranchers, and landowners who can show that they experienced discrimination prior to January 1, 2021, in USDA Farm Loan Programs.

A﻿s the deadline to apply quickly approaches, join the Farmers’ Legal Action Group and UMES Extension’s Agriculture Law Education Initiative to learn more about the program, including how to determine if you’re eligible for assistance and important information about how to apply for the program. The webinar will be held Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, from 1-2 p.m.

Registration is required for this free webinar.

The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is free to apply with an October 31, 2023 application deadline. Learn more here and here.

2023 Annual Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference
2023-11-16 07:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Crowne Plaza, 173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401, United States
Struggling to stay updated on the latest in agricultural and environmental regulations? Look no further! The Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference (AELC), proudly presented by the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI), is a one-of-a-kind occasion that unites professionals from Maryland’s agriculture, conservation, and legal sectors. Mark your calendars for November 16th, as the event unfolds from 8 AM to 3 PM at the prestigious Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis, MD. Registration is now open.

Heirs’ Property Education Workshop
2024-03-28 07:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Richard Henson Center, 30690 University Boulevard South, Princess Anne, Maryland, 21853, United States
UMES Extension will host an Heirs’ Property Education Workshop on March 28. The event will be held from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the UMES Henson Center Ballroom, with opening remarks expected at 8:30 a.m.

Heirs’ property is family-owned property inherited by multiple generations without the formal legal proceedings necessary to prove ownership. As a result, the heirs lack the clear title necessary to prove their ownership status. This means they may not be able to sell the property, use the property as collateral for financing, or receive USDA benefits for farming activities conducted on the property. It also means they may be at a greater risk of losing the property through a partition action or because they fail to pay their property taxes.

COST: $10 per person, includes breakfast and lunch

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is required and ends March 22. No walk-ups will be accepted.

In-Person PSA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training
2024-05-18 08:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
This training will cover the Produce Safety Rule and how to reduce sources of microbial contamination in produce production. Light Breakfast and Lunch Included.

Produce Safety Rule Grower Trainings
2025-01-19 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Silver Spring Civic Building Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910, United States
The Maryland Food Safety Network (MFSN) is a collaborative effort focused on increasing awareness and providing annual trainings on food safety topics and best practices.

Who Should Attend?

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires

‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?

The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:

• Introduction to Produce Safety

• Role of Maryland Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews

• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

• Soil Amendments

• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)

• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors.

Participation requirements for in-person attendees include:

• Course attendance and participation will be monitored. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.

• A hard-copy Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2 will be available to each attendee prior to the course administration.

• Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations after completing the course.

Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Heirs Property: Problems, Prevention and Resolution
2025-01-22 08:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 6615 Reistertown Road, 6615 Reistertown Road, Suite 201, Baltimore, Maryland, 21215, United States
An Interactive and Informative Workshop/Session

Learn how heirs’ property impacts families and communities and the resources available to assist these owners in Maryland

So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland (First of Two)
2025-01-22 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Bldg 617, Ellicott City, Maryland, 21042, United States
The free program will cover those legal issues that Maryland landowners mayface. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk ManagementEducation Center.

The workshop will feature Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist andExtension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landownerliability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estateplanning. The workshops will also involve research related to solar developmentby Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC.

“These workshops will be a great opportunity for landowners and otherprofessionals in rural areas to learn about some of the basic legal issues thatmany deal with daily. They can understand their rights and responsibilitieswhether they are involved in agriculture or own land in a rural area,” saidGoeringer.

Lunch is provided with the workshop. Each workshop will begin at 9 am with acheck-in, and the workshops will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The date andlocation is:

There will be two of these workshops. This first one is January 22, 2025 at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Bldg 671, Ellicott City, MD 21042

SNAP Registration
2025-01-27 09:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Harriet E. Brown Community Center, 901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, Maryland, 20678, United States
Join us and sign up to accept SNAP EBT and other programs. USDA agents will be authorizing farmer on-site. This is typically a 45-day process. Don’t miss the chance to become authorized in about 45 minutes!

Learn about equipment grants, matching funds, marketing support, a new CSA box program, and more.

For more information or assistance signing up contact Caroline Trossbach at 410-535-4583 or caroline.trossbach@calvertcountymd.gov

So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland (Second of Two)
2025-02-26 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Chesapeake College, 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, Maryland, 21679, United States
The free program will cover those legal issues that Maryland landowners mayface. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk ManagementEducation Center.

The workshop will feature Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist andExtension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landownerliability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estateplanning. The workshops will also involve research related to solar developmentby Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC.

“These workshops will be a great opportunity for landowners and otherprofessionals in rural areas to learn about some of the basic legal issues thatmany deal with daily. They can understand their rights and responsibilitieswhether they are involved in agriculture or own land in a rural area,” saidGoeringer.

Lunch is provided with the workshops. Each workshop will begin at 9 am with acheck-in, and the workshops will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The date andlocations is:

There will be two of these workshops. The second one is February 26, 2025 at Chesapeake College
