# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 8. Soil Conservation

### Subtitle 9. Voluntary Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program

#### Section 8-901

The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) Voluntary nutrient and sediment trading programs provide an innovative and cost-effective approach to enhance water and air quality and achieve additional water and air quality benefits; and

(2) The Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program established under this subtitle authorizes the Department to verify, certify, and register agricultural nutrient or sediment credits in support of private and public nutrient or sediment trading activities between the buyer of nutrient or sediment credits and the farm owner or operator that agrees to be paid and implement best management practices to reduce agricultural nutrient and sediment runoff and nutrient emissions.

#### Section 8-902

(a) The Department may establish requirements for the voluntary certification and registration of nutrient or sediment credits on agricultural land, as defined by the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

(b) Certification and registration requirements established under subsection (a) of this section shall include:

  (1) Application and eligibility requirements for certification;

  (2) Standards for quantifying nutrient or sediment credits resulting from any existing or proposed agronomic, land use, and structural practice;

  (3) Requirements governing the duration and maintenance of credits; and

  (4) Establishment of a credit registry accessible to the public.

#### Section 8-903

On notice and opportunity to be heard, the Secretary may suspend or revoke the approval or certification of credits applicable for the Program for a violation of this subtitle or for a violation of any regulation adopted by the Secretary under this subtitle.

#### Section 8-904

Nothing in this subtitle is intended to supplant or limit the authority of the Department of the Environment to establish eligibility and other requirements for use of nutrient or sediment offset credits under any State or federal permit or other regulatory program.

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