In this subtitle, “Commission” means the Maryland Agricultural Commission established under § 2–202 of this subtitle. It is the intent of the General Assembly in the enactment of this subtitle to provide for a broadened representation in policy determinations with regard to agricultural matters in the State.

There is a Maryland Agricultural Commission in the Department. The Commission shall formulate and make proposals for the advancement of Maryland agriculture by serving as an advisory body to the Secretary on matters pertaining to agriculture.

The Commission consists of: One member who is ex officio and is the principal administrative official for agricultural affairs at the University System of Maryland as designated by the Chancellor of the University; and The following members appointed by the Governor: One representative of the dairy industry; One representative of the poultry industry; One representative of the livestock industry; One representative of the nursery, landscape, and greenhouse industry; One representative of the fruit industry; One representative of the field crops industry; One representative of the vegetable industry; One representative of the veterinary profession; One representative of the Maryland State Grange; One representative of the Maryland Farm Bureau; One representative of services related to agriculture; One representative of the turf industry; One representative of the equine industry; One representative of the food processing industry; One representative of the general public to be the consumer member; One representative of the organic farming industry; One representative of direct farm marketing; One representative of viticulture; One representative of agriculture education in primary or secondary schools; One representative of agri–business; One representative of the forestry industry; One representative of the aquaculture industry; One representative of value–added agriculture and agritourism; One representative of the biofuel industry; One representative of the hemp industry; One representative of the controlled environmental agriculture industry; One representative of socially disadvantaged farmers; One representative of veteran farmers; One representative of the Committee on Young Farmers; One representative of urban and small farmers; and One representative of new and beginning farmers. The consumer member of the Commission: Shall be a member of the general public; May not be involved in any way with the activities on which the Commission advises the Secretary; and May not, within 1 year before appointment, have had a financial interest in or have received compensation from a person who is involved in any way with the activities on which the Commission advises the Secretary. While a member of the Commission, the consumer member may not have a financial interest in or receive compensation from a person who is involved in any way with the activities on which the Commission advises the Secretary. The term of membership is 3 years. A person may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

The Commission may elect from among its appointed members a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and other officers it deems appropriate. The officers have the duties and responsibilities usually incumbent upon these officers. The Commission shall meet every month, unless by majority vote it decides otherwise. The Commission also shall meet when called by the Secretary. The Commission shall employ a full-time executive secretary whose minimum duties shall be to carry out the work of the Commission, and to assist the Secretary in the promotion of the agricultural industry. He shall maintain an office in the City of Annapolis. The Commission, with the approval of the Secretary, shall determine the salary of the executive secretary. All salaries and expenses for rent, stenographic and clerical help, stationery, postage, and miscellaneous office materials necessary for the work of the Commission and executive secretary shall be provided in the State budget. The members of the Commission may not receive a salary, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings and other business of the Commission.

The Commission shall submit its recommendations in writing, to the Secretary who shall notify the Commission of the action he takes on the recommendations.

In this section, “Committee” means the Committee on Young Farmers. There is a Committee on Young Farmers. The Committee consists of 10 members designated by the Secretary in consultation with the Executive Secretary of the Maryland Agricultural Commission. Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Secretary shall designate the members of the Committee on an annual basis. A member of the Committee that is appointed as a member of the Maryland Agricultural Commission may continue to serve on the Committee until the expiration of their term on the Maryland Agricultural Commission. Each member of the Committee shall: Be interested in the preservation and development of Maryland agriculture; Derive at least 50% of the member’s personal income from farming or agricultural activities in the State; Be a resident of the State; and Be under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the member’s term. To the extent practicable, the members of the Committee shall represent regional diversity and a variety of industries. The Committee shall: Communicate to the general public, State government, and the Maryland Agricultural Commission the importance of young and beginning farmers to agriculture in the State; Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in the State and make recommendations to the Maryland Agricultural Commission; and Hold meetings at least once during each calendar quarter of the year. A member of the Committee: May not receive compensation; but Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Department shall provide staff for the Committee.