Annapolis, MD (June 1, 2023) ~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced a shift in its Nutrient Management Plan Writing Program, which will focus on a new approach to education, training, and farmer empowerment. This decision comes as the demand for plan writing has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic.

MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks said that the department and the University of Maryland have enjoyed a long-standing partnership regarding Nutrient Management Plan writing and that will continue with this new program. He added that it will align with Chesapeake Bay goals while giving Maryland farmers the tools they need to succeed as strong stewards of the environment.

Under Maryland law, all farmers grossing $2,500 a year or more or livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight must follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. These plans specify how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields and prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways.

More on Marylandian

• Pathways to Adulthood Conference May 17 at Melville Marriott Honoring NYS Assembly Member Jodi Giglio, Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa
• Adster Techologies awarded US Patent for breakthrough innovation in reducing latency in Ad Serving
• Robert Fabbio Inducted into the Austin Technology Council Hall of Fame
• Cybersecurity is Protecting Your Personal Information and Your Portfolio
• L2 Aviation Celebrates Grand Opening of New Facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

The new program is anchored by a valued partnership between MDA and The University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). It features access to beneficial cost-share programs that will provide partial funding to all eligible farmers in Maryland to access plan-writing services from industry professionals; opportunities and workshops for nutrient management advisors; assistance for current UMD planners to obtain business licenses; MDA funded UMD specialists providing expanded nutrient management plan writing workshops across the state; and new opportunities for Maryland-based agricultural organizations to build alliances with privatized nutrient management planning services.

Dean Craig Beyrouty from AGNR said that they are supportive of this decision as it is their role and duty as a land-grant institution to help plan writers and producers with nutrient management education, tools, and advice. Atticks also thanked AGNR for their success and contributions over the years.

For more information about this program, please visit mda.maryland.gov for a list of frequently asked questions related to its future.

---

Show All News | Report Violation