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

Farmer Vendor Workshop
2022-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Alison and Luke HowardHomestead Farm CSA 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.
For more information, please contact Lynn Rubin Traversa, MD SNAP-Ed Healthy Food Systems Coordinator, lrubin@umd.edu

Remote FSMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training
2022-01-26 12:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
This course will be delivered remotely via Zoom in 2 half-day session:
January 26th 12:30 PM – 4:45 PM & January 27th 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.
This course will be delivered in-person.
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
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 for produce growers 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
• 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
• Role of MD Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews
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.
Participants will only be eligible for the PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion if they are present for all modules of the course.
Funding for this course was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health & Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.

Family Communications and Estate Planning Workshop for Farm Families - Virtual Session
2022-01-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Image of workshop by Edwin Remsberg
This webinar will cover the essentials of estate planning and practical activities to assist with family communication about business matters. Each standalone virtual session will cover the essentials of estate planning and practical exercises to help with family communication about business matters.
Logos for NERME and USDA-NIFA with grant statement.

Farm Market Managers Workshops
2022-01-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Photo Credit Edwin Remsberg. Image of fruits and vegetables in cartons.
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

Cultivating Conservation for Maryland and Delaware's Small and Historically Underserved Farmers
2022-01-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Somerset County Extension Office, 30730 Park Drive, Princess Anne, MD, 21853, United States
The course will cover an overview of conservation practices, available conservation programs provided by Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other agencies, understanding of application processes, eligibility, and contractual agreements, and how conservation projects can fit into an overall farm plan.
For more information please contact, Dr. Sarah Hirsh, Extension Educator;(410) 651-1350; shirsh@umd.edu.

FSMA Produce Safety Rule Training
2021-12-08 08:00 - 17:00 | St. Mary’s County Ag Service Center, 26737 Radio Station Way Suite E2, Leonardtown, ME, 20650, United States
This course will be delivered in-person.
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
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 for produce growers 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
• 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
• Role of MD Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews
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.
Participants will only be eligible for the PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion if they are present for all modules of the course.
Funding for this course was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health & Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.

Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Law and Policy: the Role of Food Policy Councils and the Certified Local Farm Enterprise Program
2021-11-18 11:00 - 11:55 | Virtual
Recent Maryland legislation established a local food purchasing requirement – the Certified Local Farm Enterprise Program – and the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council. Panelists will discuss what these programs are and how they aim to address supply chain and equity issues in Maryland’s food system.
Presenters:
Del. Lorig Charkoudian, District 20, Montgomery County
Karen Fedor, Certified Local Farm Program Director, Maryland Department of Agriculture
Justin Hayes, Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Department of Agriculture

Growing Carbon Credits: Should Maryland Farmers Open a Carbon Banking Account?
2021-11-18 10:00 - 10:55 | Virtual
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.

Developing Issues in Agricultural and Environmental Law
2021-11-18 09:00 - 09:45 | Virtual
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

Legislative Strategies for Reaching Ag Sector 2025 Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Goals
2021-11-17 15:00 - 15:55 | Virtual
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.

Using Legal Education to Increase Equitable Participation in NRCS Conservation Programs
2021-11-17 14:00 - 14:55 | Virtual
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

Environmental Enforcement Actions: New Tools in the Litigation Toolbox?
2021-11-17 13:00 - 13:55 | Virtual
This panel will look 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 the public — electronic records of enforcement and water pollution data.
Presenters:
Betsy Nicholas, Executive Director, Waterkeepers Chesapeake
Holly Porter, Executive Director, Delmarva Chicken Association
Roberta (Bobbie) James, Senior Policy Analyst, Maryland Department of the Environment

USDA Heirs Property Relending Program
2021-09-22 11:00 - 12:00 | MD
The one-hour session aims to inform participants about how the program can assist borrowers seeking to secure title to property that’s owned by multiple family members, whether those family members are known or unknown. A representative from the Farm Service Agency in Annapolis, Maryland, will provide information about the program for lenders and borrowers, and Jesse Hammock, a partner with Parker Counts Law Firm in Easton and Cambridge, Maryland will provide information about what to expect and how to navigate the legal process of clearing title. This will be the first of a series of webinars providing practical information about the program. Topics in the series will include: eligibility of borrowers, borrower limits, how the money can be used, how the money is paid out, clearing the title, how to locate a service provider and managing family dynamics and communication. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usdas-heirs-property-relending-program-tickets-170453196098. For more information, contact Nicole Cook at nlcook@umes.edu., or at 410-651-6182.

Harnessing Your Farm’s Story to Build a Successful Farm Brand - Part 3: Building & Protecting Your Intellectual Property
2021-08-25 18:00 - 19:30 | MD
This webinar will focus on ways farmers can protect the intellectual property that is created and developed during business branding and marketing efforts. Attendees will hear from an experienced attorney who specializes in intellectual property law and a local farmer who has created his own hot sauces.
Photo Credit Edwin Remsberg, chickens in a yard

Harnessing Your Farm’s Story to Build a Successful Farm Brand - Part 2: Legal Considerations for Digital Marketing from BIPOC Farmers
2021-08-11 18:00 - 19:30 | MD
This webinar will focus on legal considerations for farmers using social media and other digital marketing strategies. Attendees will hear from an ALEI legal specialist about key laws and regulations and a local farmer will share her experiences with branding and marketing organic herbs and natural beauty products.
Photo Credit Edwin Remsberg, baby chick in hand

Harnessing Your Farm’s Story to Build a Successful Farm Brand - Part 1: Branding Strategies from BIPOC Farmers
2021-08-04 18:00 - 19:30 | MD
This webinar will focus on steps farmers can take to identify their story as a platform for building up their farm brand. Attendees will hear from two experienced farmers who will share their wisdom about developing their farm brand and moving their vision into a reality.
Photo Credit Edwin Remsberg, handful of eggs

USDA Debt Relief Webinar
2021-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 | MD
The Southern University Ag Center has partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to host a debt relief webinar for small and minority farms at 10:00 a.m. Central 11:00 a.m. Eastern, on May 13, 2021.
