Agriculture Law Education Initiative

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