# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 10. Promotion and Identification of Agricultural Products

### Subtitle 3. Maryland Agricultural Fair Board

#### Section 10-301

(a) The Maryland Agricultural Fair Board is composed of nine members. The members shall be representative of all phases of the agricultural interests of the State, and shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice of the Secretary.

(b) The members shall serve without salary but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings and other business of the Board as provided in the budget in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Standard State Travel Regulations.

(c)

  (1) The term of office of each member is 5 years, but any member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves for the remainder of the term.

  (2) Each member shall serve after expiration of the member's term until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

  (3) However, a member may not serve more than 2 consecutive 5-year terms.

#### Section 10-302

(a) The Board annually shall elect a chairman from among its members. Meetings of the Board shall be held at the times and places designated by the chairman or the Secretary by notice to the members. Six members constitute a quorum, but any action of the Board requires assent of a majority of the members.

(b) The Board shall keep a complete record of its proceedings.

(c) The Board, subject to the approval of the Secretary, may employ clerks, stenographers, field representatives, assistants, and other employees it deems necessary in order to perform its duties and exercise its powers as provided in the State budget. The Board shall establish a permanent office and shall be supplied with all appliances and incidentals necessary for the proper discharge of its duties. The salaries or compensation of all clerks, stenographers, field representatives, assistants, and other employees of the Board, and the cost of maintaining and supplying the permanent office of the Board shall be paid from funds provided in the State budget.

#### Section 10-303

(a) The Board shall encourage and foster agriculture in the State through promotion and assistance of agricultural fairs, exhibits, or other activities. For this purpose, the Board, subject to the approval of the Secretary, has exclusive, complete control of the distribution and expenditure of all funds allocated to it pursuant to the provisions of the Maryland Horse Racing Act for the payment of premium awards, promotional and educational activities, or other activities in connection with a bona fide agricultural fair, exhibit, or activity, as the Board determines, and for one State fair each year, as designated by the Board. The Board shall administer the distribution of the grant provided in Sec. 11-403(c) of the Business Regulation Article to the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society, Inc.

(b) The Board, subject to the approval of the Secretary, shall adopt rules and regulations to govern the conduct, qualifications, and requirements of agricultural fairs, exhibits, or activities to which allocations or distributions are made.

(c) No agricultural fair, exhibit, or activity may receive any financial assistance from the Board, unless it has met all qualifications and requirements as set forth in the rules and regulations. The decision of the Board, after the approval of the Secretary, shall be final with respect to every question relating to whether any agricultural fair, exhibit, or activity shall be entitled to financial assistance under the provisions of this section.

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Md. Code Ann., Agric. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)