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§ 2-1901. Maryland Healthy Soils Program

West's Annotated Code of MarylandAgricultureEffective: June 1, 2022 to June 30, 2030

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Agriculture
Title 2. Department of Agriculture (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 19. Maryland Healthy Soils Program (Refs & Annos)
Effective: June 1, 2022 to June 30, 2030
MD Code, Agriculture, § 2-1901
§ 2-1901. Maryland Healthy Soils Program
Currentness
<Section effective until July 1, 2030. See, also, section 2-1901 effective July 1, 2030.>
Definitions
(a)(1) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Healthy soils” means the continuing capacity of soil to:
(i) Function as a biological system;
(ii) Increase soil organic matter;
(iii) Improve soil structure and water and nutrient holding capacity; and
(iv) Sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(3) “Program” means the Maryland Healthy Soils Program.
Establishment of Maryland Healthy Soils Program
(b) There is a Maryland Healthy Soils Program.
Program purpose
(c) The purpose of the Program is to:
(1) Improve the health, yield, and profitability of the soils of the State;
(2) Increase biological activity and carbon sequestration in the soils of the State by promoting practices based on emerging soil science, including planting mixed cover crops, adopting no-till or low-till farming practices, and rotation grazing; and
(3) Promote widespread use of healthy soils practices among farmers in the State.
Implementation of purpose
(d) To carry out the purposes of the Program, the Department shall:
(1) Provide incentives, including research, education, technical assistance, and, subject to available funding, financial assistance, to farmers to implement farm management practices that contribute to healthy soils; and
(2) Determine whether the Program may be implemented in a manner to enhance other State and federal programs that provide financial assistance to farmers.
Appropriation
(e) In each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program.

Credits

Added by Acts 2017, c. 373, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017. Amended by Acts 2022, c. 38, § 3, eff. June 1, 2022.
MD Code, Agriculture, § 2-1901, MD AGRIC § 2-1901
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
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