The Secretary serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation Subcabinet; the Governor's Council on the Chesapeake Bay; the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission; the Chesapeake Bay Trust; the Governor's Pesticide Council; and the Board of Regents, University System of Maryland. The Secretary also serves on the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation; the Maryland Food Center Authority; the Maryland Horse Industry Board; the Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission; the State Soil Conservation Committee; the Scenic and Wild Rivers Review Board; the State Use Industries Advisory Committee; the Maryland Winery and Grape Growers' Advisory Board; the Interagency Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Committee; and the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs. In addition, the Secretary co-chairs the Interagency Nutrient Reduction Oversight Committee.
The Office of the Secretary includes the principal counsel; intergovernmental and public information functions; internal audit; and Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Programs (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-108).
Agriculture also is significant in the tributary focus of the Bay cleanup. The Department and its agricultural partners work with farmers across the State on nutrient reduction strategies for ten key tributary basins within the Chesapeake watershed.
BOARD OF REVIEW
Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Board's seven members serve three-year terms. The Governor names the chair (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 2-401 through 2-405).
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
The Commission consists of twenty-four members. Twenty-three are appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. One serves ex officio (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 2-201 through 2-205).
By agreement with the Foundation, landowners may initiate the creation of an Agricultural Preservation District in which subdivision and development are restricted for at least five years. The creation of such a district protects normal agricultural activities and enables landowners to make application to sell a development rights easement. Based upon the availability of funds allocated by the counties, the Foundation may acquire easements in accord with a competitive formula defined by law and subject to local recommendation and appraisal. Easements thus acquired are perpetual but may be repurchased after twenty-five years if certain procedures and requirements are met. By gift, devise, bequest, or grant, the Foundation also may receive easements in gross or other rights to restrict the use of agricultural land and woodland.
Maryland has preserved more farmland than any other state. As of June 30, 1998, Maryland had saved 323,030 acres in 2,429 agricultural preservation districts and acquired easements for permanent development rights on 152,288 acres.
The Foundation is governed and administered by a twelve-member Board of Trustees. Nine at-large members are appointed to 4-year terms by the Governor who names one of these the chair. Three members serve ex officio. Upon recommendation of the nine at-large Trustees, the Secretary of Agriculture appoints the Executive Director (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 2-501 through 2-515).
The Office directs six sections: Agricultural Statistics Service; Animal Health; Aquaculture Development and Seafood Marketing; Grading Service, Egg Inspection, and Grain Laws; Marketing and Agricultural Development; and Weights and Measures. The Assistant Secretary also oversees the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
MARYLAND HORSE INDUSTRY BOARD
The Board licenses all horse riding stables where one or more horses or ponies are let for hire to be ridden or driven. It also licenses sales barns, establishments that stable five or more horses for pay or where five or more horses are sold annually.
With the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Board may appoint a qualified inspector and designate officers of county humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and licensed veterinarians to act as its agents and make inspections.
The Maryland Horse Industry Board is mandated to advise the Department of Agriculture on all matters that affect Maryland's horse industry; support research on equine health and related issues; and promote the use of horses and development of the horse industry in Maryland. It also demonstrates how equine activities help preserve green space and agricultural land; and develops and distributes information about Maryland's horse industry, its history, breeds and its recreational role.
The Board consists of twelve members. Eleven are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary of Agriculture serves ex officio (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 2-701 through 2-719).
STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS
The Board has seven members. They are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and with Senate advice and consent. Authorization for the Board continues until July 1, 2001 (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 2-301 through 2-313).
The Committee's seven members are appointed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, with approval of the Secretary of Agriculture.
The Service issues the following publications:
The Section's work is carried out by five laboratories located in Centreville, College Park, Frederick, Oakland, and Salisbury.
The National Aquaculture Act of 1980 set forth the federal policy of encouraging development of an aquaculture industry. In 1988, the Department of Agriculture was designated to promote development of aquaculture and coordinate State efforts in this field (Chapter 534, Acts of 1988). In that year, the Office of Aquaculture Programs was established by the Department to coordinate the aquaculture programs of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources, and the University System of Maryland. In 1992, the Office was reorganized as Aquaculture Development and Seafood Marketing.
Seafood Marketing began in 1976 as an office within the Division of Economic Development under the Department of Economic and Community Development. In 1987, the Office of Seafood Marketing transferred to the Department of Agriculture as Seafood Marketing Services. It was renamed the Seafood Marketing Section in 1988, and simply Seafood Marketing in 1992. In July 1995, the functions of Seafood Marketing were assigned to Aquaculture Development and Seafood Marketing.
Aquaculture Development and Seafood Marketing promotes increased distribution and consumption of Maryland seafood and also seeks to reduce its cost and improve its quality and marketability. The agency's Maryland Seafood Directory lists processors, wholesalers, distributors, and seafood market suppliers of seafood and aquaculture products.
The Committee has twenty-one members. Twelve are named to three-year terms by the Governor. Other members include a senator chosen by the Senate President; a delegate selected by the House Speaker; a representative named by the Secretary of Agriculture, and one by the Secretary of Natural Resources; a representative of the Fisheries Service designated by the Secretary of Natural Resources; and a representative of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park, named by the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. The Secretary of Business and Economic Development, the Secretary of the Environment, and the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene each choose a nonvoting member (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 10-1301, 10-1302).
The Grading Services Program conducts a voluntary certification program for producers and processors of numerous agricultural commodities, including poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, soybeans, and grain. The Program uses standards developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for quality, size, labeling, and packaging. Samples of agricultural commodities are evaluated for conformity with these standards. Graders supervise the official identification of commodities meeting the established criteria (Code Agricultural Article, secs. 10-501 through 10-909).
The Egg Inspection Program enforces the Maryland Egg Law. Inspections performed at the processor, wholesale, food service and retail levels ensure that eggs sold in Maryland comply with standards for quality, size, labeling and record-keeping. Wholesalers and packers of shell eggs must register annually with the Program. The Program coordinates enforcement of the Salmonella enteritidis regulations jointly adopted by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Egg Law controlling the movement of inedible and restricted eggs also is enforced by the Program. Restricted eggs are those not suitable for consumption due to cracks, blood spots, leaks, or other problems (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 4-301 through 4-312).
The Grain Laws Program licenses grain dealers, as defined by law. The practice dates at least to 1888 when licenses were granted to Baltimore grain brokers (Chapter 416, Acts of 1888). Now, grain dealers annually must meet financial and insurance requirements. Each year, the Section also publishes the Directory of Grain Dealers.
Marketing and Agricultural Development compiles the following publications:
Under this unit are the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board, the Maryland Organic Certification Advisory Committee, the Tobacco Authority, and the Maryland Winery and Grape Growers' Advisory Board.
The Maryland Agricultural Fair Board was established as the State Fair Board in 1937 (Chapter 463, Acts of 1937). It received its present name in 1980 (Chapter 85, Acts of 1980). The Board fosters agriculture by promoting and assisting agricultural fairs and exhibits. It gives financial aid to qualifying organizations for premium awards to exhibitors of agricultural displays. Annually, the Board issues the Maryland Fair & Show Schedule.
The Board's nine members are appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of Agriculture to five-year terms (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 10-301 through 10-303).
MARYLAND ORGANIC CERTIFICATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Committee's thirteen members represent Marketing and Agricultural Development of the Department of Agriculture; the Maryland Agricultural Commission; an industry group, such as the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association; persons with expertise in toxicology, ecology, biochemistry, environmental protection, or resource conservation; and consumers, producers, retailers, processors, and distributors of organic products.
The Section supervises the use and production of weighing and measuring devices, weights and measures, and packaged commodities offered for sale, sold, or in use in the State. This supervision extends to the methodology used to obtain accurate measurement and provides a means for value comparisons for consumers.
The Section licenses and tests personnel who determine butterfat content for dairies and milk cooperatives and personnel who calibrate farm milk tanks. It administers and enforces State laws for ensuring accuracy, equity, and the prevention of fraud in the sale and measurement of quantities, commodities, goods, or services (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 11-101 through 11-509).
The Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management supervises programs concerned with plants, plant pests, pest management, and pesticides. The Office also coordinates these programs with local, State and federal officials. In addition, the Office manages cooperative agreements with local, county, State and federal agencies.
Under the Office are six sections: Forest Pest Management; Mosquito Control; Pesticide Regulation; Plant Protection and Weed Management; State Chemist; and Turf and Seed.
The gypsy moth is the most destructive forest pest of the eastern United States. It harms trees in wooded residential areas, parks, and recreation areas. Consequently, the moth is the subject of a State and a national quarantine program. This pest has been present in Maryland since 1971. Despite an active suppression program, the gypsy moth continues threatening unprotected trees in certain areas.
The Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program works to manage the gypsy moth. Coordinated by the Forest Pest Management Section, the Program is a joint effort by local and State agencies and the U.S. Forest Service. Branch offices of the Forest Pest Management Section are located in Bel Air, Cheltenham, Cumberland, Denton, and Frederick.
The Section regulates the sale, use, storage, and disposal of pesticides in Maryland. It licenses businesses engaged in commercial application of pesticides; trains and certifies commercial and private pesticide applicators; and enforces the Pesticide Applicators Law and Regulations. The Section also provides technical advice on the use of pesticides, and enforces federal laws and regulations governing pesticide use.
The Chief is the State's authority on matters relating to pesticide use and application (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 5-201 through 5-211).
The Plant Protection and Weed Management Section administers programs for nursery inspection, plant protection and quarantine, integrated pest management, and noxious weed control. The Section also oversees programs for certified plant production, inspection and registration of honey bee colonies, and implementation of the Interstate Pest Control Compact.
The Section serves as the State's authority on plant pests and agricultural quarantines and as liaison for the Department with other State and federal regulatory agencies (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 5-301 through 5-314, 5-501 through 5-507, 5-701 through 5-716, 5-801 through 5-805, 9-301 through 9-307, 9-601 through 9-606).
The Section administers the Maryland Noxious Weed Law. This law requires landowners or those who possess and manage land infested with Johnsongrass, shattercane, or thistles to eradicate or control these noxious weeds by practices prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The noxious weed control program helps individuals manage noxious weeds through their own efforts and through a cooperative agreement between the State and participating counties. The Department encourages individuals to file a Noxious Weed Control Agreement, outlining methods and procedures for controlling noxious weeds on their land. Regulatory action may be taken against those who fail to manage noxious weeds. The Section also investigates complaints of multiflora rose-infestations on or near land used for agricultural production.
The Secretary of Agriculture has authority to declare other weeds noxious and place them under a control program. The Section Chief serves as the State's authority on weed control matters (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 9-401 through 9-405, 9-701 through 9-705).
The State Chemist Section began under the Office of Animal Health and Consumer Services and moved in 1987 to the Office of Plant Industries and Resource Conservation (now Plant Industries and Pest Management). The Section samples and chemically tests and analyzes commercial fertilizers, feeds, pesticides, soil conditioners, composts, and liming materials sold in the State. The Section registers and examines the labels of these products as well. It determines if products conform to standards established under Maryland laws governing quality, contents, and labeling. These measures protect the consumer and the dealer from unscrupulous or careless manufacturers.
To implement the federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Section works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, Section chemists analyze meat and toxicology samples for the Office of Food Safety and Consumer Services; test fruits, vegetables, commercial feeds, and soils for chemical residues; and make other determinations as required by the Department (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-114, 6-101 through 6-117, 6-201 through 6-221, 6-301 through 6-311).
The Section also regulates the labeling of seed and sod at the time of marketing to help consumers determine what to purchase. A State testing laboratory is operated for both service and regulatory testing to assure compliance with label claims. The regulatory phase involves inspection, testing, reporting results, and corrective actions for each turf and seed lot found not to comply with provisions of the Turf Grass Law or the Seed Law (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 9-101 through 9-110, 9-201 through 9-214).
The Office works to control soil erosion and agricultural nonpoint source water pollution through agricultural soil conservation and water quality programs. The Office coordinates its efforts with other Department programs and with county, State and federal agencies. This includes managing interagency cooperative agreements. For Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Programs, the Office serves as agency liaison and facilitates State and local agricultural involvement in tributary strategies.
The Office consists of three sections: Program Planning and Development; Resource Conservation Grants; and Resource Conservation Operations.
Under the Agricultural Water Management Program, Program Planning and Development helps public drainage associations maintain agricultural drainage projects through a cost-share maintenance program and interagency review of plans for construction, reconstruction, operation and maintenance. Program Planning and Development also coordinates the Nutrient Management Program, which helps individual farmers plan nutrient management of animal waste, sludge, and commercial fertilizers. The Program trains, certifies and licenses persons who provide this service.
The Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998 mandates nutrient management on virtually all Maryland farms (Chapter 324, Acts of 1998).
Established in 1983, the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program reduces water pollution caused by nutrient and sediment erosion, animal wastes, or agricultural chemicals. The Program provides cost-share grants to individuals for installing best management practices on agricultural land.
The State Conservation Reserve Program provides annual payments to landowners or operators for certain acreage taken out of agricultural production and planted in vegetative cover for a ten-year period. The Program began in 1988 as an incentive for enrolling in a similar federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Resource Conservation Operations administers State resources that support soil and water conservation programs on agricultural land. This section guides and assists twenty-four soil conservation districts and gives financial, administrative and technical support for conservation programs. Resource Conservation Operations also provides technical assistance to farmers and landowners on best management practices to control soil erosion and agricultural nonpoint source pollution.
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The Board of Review hears and determines appeals from any decision of the Secretary of Agriculture or agency of the Department subject to judicial review under the Administrative Procedure Act.
The Maryland Agricultural Commission was formed in 1961 as the Agricultural Advisory Board (Chapter 470, Acts of 1961). The Board was renamed the Maryland Agricultural Commission in 1968 (Chapter 552, Acts of 1968). The Commission's chief function is to advance Maryland agriculture and advise the Secretary of Agriculture on agricultural matters. The Commission proposes agricultural improvements, promotes State agricultural industries and products, and reviews legislation for its impact on agriculture.
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The Office of Administrative Services oversees central services, data systems services, fiscal services, and personnel services, as well as the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation.
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation was started in 1977 (Chapter 784, Acts of 1977). The Foundation implements the Agricultural Land Preservation Program. The Program's intent is to preserve productive agricultural land and woodland in Maryland, provide for the continued production of food and fiber, curb the extent of urban sprawl, and protect agricultural land and woodland as open space. The Program depends on the cooperation of county governments, which appoint local agricultural preservation advisory boards. Participation in the Program is voluntary on the part of landowners.
OFFICE OF MARKETING, ANIMAL INDUSTRIES,
The Office of Marketing, Animal Industries, and Consumer Services began in 1973 as the Division of Animal Industries within the Department of Agriculture. By 1978, the Division was renamed the Office of Animal Health and, by 1980, the Office of Animal Health and Consumer Services. It was reorganized as the Office of Food Safety and Consumer Services in 1992 and received its present name in March 1997.
& CONSUMER SERVICES
The Maryland Horse Industry Board began as the State Board of Inspection of Horse Riding Stables which transferred from the Department of Licensing and Regulation to the Department of Agriculture in 1980 (Chapter 618, Acts of 1980). The Board assumed its present name in October 1998 (Chapter 416, Acts of 1998).
The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners dates to 1894 (Chapter 273, Acts of 1894). The Board examines candidates for licenses to practice veterinary medicine in the State and judges their qualifications. Annually, it registers veterinarians and inspects veterinary hospitals. Upon complaints of illegal or unethical practices or sanitary violations, the Board may conduct hearings and pass judgment upon the charges. Court proceedings may be instituted by the Board against persons engaged in illegal practices.
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN COMMITTEE
In 1984, the Veterinary Technician Committee was organized as part of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Chapter 640, Acts of 1984). Subject to Board approval, the Committee registers and regulates veterinary technicians. It determines the qualifications for applicants, recommends the content and form of examinations, and establishes continuing education requirements for veterinary technicians. The Committee also defines duties and responsibilities of registered veterinary technicians.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE
The Agricultural Statistics Service originated as the Statistical Reporting Service in the mid-19th century and received its present name in 1986. The Service collects, summarizes, and publishes data relating to the production and marketing of agricultural products, agriculture prices and income, and other statistics pertinent to agriculture and agribusiness. State statistics generally are available for acreage, yield, and production of major field crops, vegetables, fruits, livestock, and poultry; and monthly and seasonal or annual average prices, farm expenditures, and labor. For some commodities the Service also compiles county statistics.
Maryland Agricultural Statistics (annually)
Maryland Agri-Facts (bi-monthly)
Weekly Crop and Weather Report
Weekly Delmarva Broiler ReportANIMAL HEALTH SECTION
Duties of the Animal Health Section began in 1884 when the position of veterinary inspector was created to suppress disease in livestock and prevent epidemics (Chapter 157, Acts of 1884). Today, the Section works to control and eradicate livestock and poultry diseases that have a significant economic impact on producers or pose a threat to human health due to their transmissibility from animals to people (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-503).
AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT & SEAFOOD MARKETING
In Maryland, aquaculture is an agricultural responsibility. Aquaculture development involves the controlled cultivation and harvest of aquatic plants and animals. Aquaculture crops in the State include hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish, trout, crawfish, oysters, and soft-shell crabs.
AQUACULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Aquaculture Advisory Committee was created in 1988 (Chapter 534, Acts of 1988). In consultation with the Senate Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House of Delegates Environmental Matters Committee, the Committee proposes legislation to promote a major aquaculture industry for Maryland's tidal waters. In 1990, Committee recommendations helped create the Maryland Seafood and Aquaculture Loan Fund for expanding aquaculture or modernizing the seafood processing industry (Chapter 511, Acts of 1990).
GRADING SERVICES, EGG INSPECTION, & GRAIN LAWS
In 1992, the Grading Services and Egg Inspection Section merged with the Grain Laws Section to form Egg Inspection, Grading, and Grain. It was renamed in 1997 as Grading Services, Egg Inspection, and Grain Laws. The Section oversees three separate programs of inspection, certification, and licensing.
MARKETING & AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Marketing and Agricultural Development began as the Marketing Services Section. It was reorganized as Marketing in 1992 and received its current name in 1995. Programs include projects to improve quality and enhance presentation of agricultural commodities to the consumer; international marketing; market news and statistics services in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and a consumer marketing information program (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 10-101 through 10-204; 10-501 through 10-504; 10-601 through 10-606; 10-701 through 10-708; 10-801 through 10-807; 10-901 through 10-909).
Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Directory
Grain and Livestock (weekly)
Maryland Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Users Guide
Maryland Hay and Straw Directory
Maryland Retail Farmers' Market Directory
Maryland Tobacco Report (radio tape-in season)
Pick-Your-Own Fruit and Vegetable Directory
Wholesale Directory-Maryland Christmas Tree GrowersMARYLAND AGRICULTURAL FAIR BOARD
Forerunners of the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board include societies for the promotion of agriculture which flourished in Maryland, beginning in 1807 with the creation of boards of agriculture in twelve Maryland counties (Chapter 169, Acts of 1807). These boards were authorized to award premiums or medals for the promotion of agriculture. Other county societies and fair boards were created and, from time to time, the General Assembly appropriated money to them for agricultural fairs.
The Maryland Organic Certification Advisory Committee was formed by the Department of Agriculture in 1992 to advise the Department on matters pertaining to the certification of organic products. For the Secretary of Agriculture, the Committee reviews applications for organic certification; recommends regulations to govern organic producers, processors, distributors, and retailers; and reviews and comments on complaints referred to the Committee.
WEIGHTS & MEASURES SECTION
The first Maryland law to regulate measures was enacted in 1641 (Chapter 2, Acts of 1641). At that time, the county sheriff was entrusted with the responsibility. The Weights and Measures Section continues to maintain and safeguard the State's primary standards as well as secondary standards and equipment for the enforcement of Maryland's Weights and Measures Law. The Section's Metrology Laboratory provides a wide variety of highly sophisticated measurements and calibrations in mass, volume, length, and thermometry.
OFFICE OF PLANT INDUSTRIES & PEST MANAGEMENT
The Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management originated in 1972 as the Division of Plant Industries. It became the Division of Plant Industries and Pest Management in 1980, and the Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management in 1984. The Office was reorganized in 1987 as the Office of Plant Industries and Resource Conservation and, in 1990, resumed its earlier name.
FOREST PEST MANAGEMENT SECTION
The Forest Pest Management Section was formed from the Gypsy Moth Control Section in 1987. The Section protects forests and landscape trees by eradicating or controlling certain insect (particularly gypsy moth) infestations and disease. The Section also monitors forest health.
MOSQUITO CONTROL SECTION
The Mosquito Control Section provides statewide mosquito control services through a cooperatively funded program. Branch offices are located in Riverdale, Salisbury, and Hollywood, Maryland. Environmentally compatible methods of pest management are used to control mosquitoes. In addition to implementing control measures, the Section monitors the environmental impact of the program, develops new control methods, and conducts epidemiological investigations of mosquito-borne diseases (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 5-401 through 5-405).
PESTICIDE REGULATION SECTION
Administration of the Pesticide Applicators Law began in 1973 under the Division of Entomology. By 1975, the work continued under the Pest Management Section. A separate Pesticide Applicators Law Section was formed in 1980 and became the Pesticide Regulation Section in 1987.
PLANT PROTECTION & WEED MANAGEMENT SECTION
The Plant Protection and Weed Management Section was formed in June 1997, when the Plant Protection Section merged with the Weed Control Section.
STATE CHEMIST SECTION
The office of State Agricultural Chemist was created in 1847 to help farmers rejuvenate worn-out tobacco land (Chapter 249, Acts of 1847). The Chemist analyzed soil throughout the State as well as marl and other mineral or vegetable deposits which might be applied as fertilizers, and lectured and publicized his findings. During the guano boom of the 1840s and 1850s, a Guano Inspector also analyzed all guano imported through Baltimore to ensure that farmers got that for which they paid. Modern equivalents of such duties are carried out by the State Chemist Section.
TURF & SEED SECTION
As early as 1888, the General Assembly enacted legislation to protect farmers from unscrupulous seed salesmen making fraudulent claims. Today, the Turf and Seed Section works to assure the availability of sufficient quantities of certified turf and seed. It directs and conducts certification programs by which turf and seed are produced to meet standards of purity, variety, germination, and other quality factors. From the evidence of field inspections or laboratory analysis, the Section rejects seed or sod not meeting certification standards.
OFFICE OF RESOURCE CONSERVATION
The Office of Resource Conservation began in 1985 as the Office of Agricultural Development and Resource Conservation. In 1987, it was restructured as the Office of Plant Industries and Resource Conservation and received its current name in 1989.
PROGRAM PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Program Planning and Development supports the work of the State Soil Conservation Committee and the Office of Resource Conservation by planning, developing, and coordinating policy, programs, and public information. The soil and water conservation work of the Office is coordinated with soil conservation districts, and agencies and organizations with related programs.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Nutrient Management Advisory Committee began in 1992 (Chapter 137, Acts of 1992). Nutrient management concerns soil fertilization and determining the amount, placement, timing, and application of animal waste, commercial fertilizer, sludge, or other plant nutrients to prevent pollution and maintain productivity. Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Committee advises the Department on certification and licensing of nutrient management consultants (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 8-801 through 8-806).
RESOURCE CONSERVATION GRANTS
Resource Conservation Grants started in 1989 as the Conservation Grants Section. In 1992, the Section was renamed Resource Protection Incentives, and in 1994 received its present name. This office administers the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program (MACS) and the State Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
RESOURCE CONSERVATION OPERATIONS
Resource Conservation Operations originated in 1989 as an outgrowth of the Soil Conservation Administration. It was reorganized as Resource Management Services in 1992. In 1994, it resumed its earlier name.
Maryland Executive Departments
Maryland Manual On-Line