# Education (GED)

## Title 18. Student Financial Assistance

### Subtitle 28A. Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers

#### Section 18-28A-01

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Department" means the Department of Agriculture.

(c) "Higher education loan" means a loan that is obtained for tuition, education expenses, or living expenses for undergraduate or graduate study leading to a degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field, including farming.

(d) "Program" means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers.

#### Section 18-28A-02

(a) There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers in the State.

(b) The Office shall assist in the repayment of a higher education loan owed by a farmer who:

  (1) Has received an undergraduate or graduate degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education located in the State;

  (2) Has been a farmer for at least 5 years but not more than 10 years since obtaining the degree;

  (3) Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the Office, in consultation with the Department, including any additional sources of income; and

  (4) Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.

#### Section 18-28A-03

The Office, in consultation with the Department, shall adopt regulations to establish:

(1) The maximum starting income for eligibility in the Program;

(2) The maximum total income for eligibility in the Program, including any additional sources of income;

(3) That priority for participation in the Program shall be given to a farmer who:

  (i) Graduated from an institution of higher education in the State in the last 10 years;

  (ii) Is employed as a farmer on a full-time basis; and

  (iii) As determined by the Department in consultation with the Department of the Environment, uses sustainable agricultural techniques and demonstrates environmental stewardship;

(4) A limit on the total amount of assistance provided by the Office in repaying the higher education loan of a farmer, based on the farmer's total income and outstanding higher education loan balance;

(5) A procedure and schedule for the payment of the amount of loan assistance provided by the Office to the farmer; and

(6) An annual review of the eligibility of each farmer participating in the Program.

#### Section 18-28A-04

Funds for the Program shall be provided on an annual basis in the State budget.

#### Section 18-28A-05

As part of the annual report required under Sec. 18-1505 of this title, the Office shall include information regarding implementation of the Program, including:

(1) The amount of money allocated for the Program;

(2) The number of awards made and amounts of the awards; and

(3) The number of applicants denied an award.

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