# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 2. Department of Agriculture

### Subtitle 1. Organization, Powers and Authority of Department -- in General

#### Section 2-108

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Grant Program" means the On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program.

  (3) "Urban agricultural producer" has the meaning stated in Sec. 2-2001 of this title.

  (4) "Urban farmer" has the meaning stated in Sec. 2-401 of this title.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2028, there is an On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program in the Department.

(c) The purpose of the Grant Program is to award grants annually for developing and implementing on-farm organics recycling and compost use, wasted food prevention, and food rescue.

(d) The Department, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, shall:

  (1) Administer the Grant Program; and

  (2) Identify and apply for funding for the Grant Program.

(e) The following persons are eligible for a grant under the Grant Program:

  (1) A farmer, an urban farmer, or an urban agricultural producer;

  (2) A soil conservation district;

  (3) An institution of higher education as defined in Sec. 10-101 of the Education Article;

  (4) A nonprofit organization;

  (5) A business in the State that is in:

    (i) Good standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation; and

    (ii) Partnership with a farmer, an urban farmer, or an urban agricultural producer; and

  (6) A consortium of any entities under this subsection.

(f) A project is eligible for a grant under the Grant Program if the project develops, maintains, or expands infrastructure, collection programs, education, or technical assistance in the State that:

  (1) Reduces the amount of wasted food generated;

  (2) Rescues edible food for purposes of redistribution;

  (3) Recovers wasted food as animal feed if the feed is registered and treated in accordance with regulations implemented by the Department;

  (4) Composts or recycles food residuals that are separated from packaging prior to collection, including at-home, community, and on-farm composting;

  (5) Provides labor and wages in support of wasted food prevention, food rescue, and on-farm organics recycling and compost use;

  (6) Provides best management practice training in relevant fields by a reputable training program;

  (7) Studies the impacts of compost application on on-farm nutrient and water quality management; or

  (8) Assists in the payment of applicable permit application costs.

(g) In awarding grants under the Grant Program, the Department, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, shall prioritize projects:

  (1) For which the applicant clearly describes how the project will:

    (i) Provide direct, meaningful, and assured benefits to the community; and

    (ii) Address important community needs;

  (2) That prevent, rescue, and divert wasted food within a local community;

  (3) That plan to produce compost that meets the classification of "General Use" under COMAR 15.18.04.05;

  (4) That plan to produce minimally contaminated compost through:

    (i) Processing organic materials that are separated from packaging prior to collection;

    (ii) Not using depackagers; and

    (iii) Meeting the U.S. Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance;

  (5) That serve an overburdened or underserved community as defined in Sec. 1-701 of the Environment Article;

  (6) That minimize negative impacts to the local community; and

  (7) That maximize benefits to the local community, including:

    (i) The creation of jobs;

    (ii) Increasing job training; and

    (iii) Increasing hiring and leadership development practices that are inclusive and provide a living wage.

(h) For fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 to the Grant Program.

(i) On or before December 31, 2028, and each December 31 thereafter, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, on:

  (1) The number and types of grants awarded;

  (2) The impact of the grants on the creation of jobs and other benefits to the State;

  (3) The impact on food waste prevented, rescued, and diverted from disposal; and

  (4) The impact on farmers, urban farmers, and urban agricultural producers in the State.

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