In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Department” means the Department of Agriculture. “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. “Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers.

There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Farmers in the State. The Office shall assist in the repayment of a higher education loan owed by a farmer who: 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; Has been a farmer for at least 5 years but not more than 10 years since obtaining the degree; 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 Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.

The Office, in consultation with the Department, shall adopt regulations to establish: The maximum starting income for eligibility in the Program; The maximum total income for eligibility in the Program, including any additional sources of income; That priority for participation in the Program shall be given to a farmer who: Graduated from an institution of higher education in the State in the last 10 years; Is employed as a farmer on a full–time basis; and As determined by the Department in consultation with the Department of the Environment, uses sustainable agricultural techniques and demonstrates environmental stewardship; 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; A procedure and schedule for the payment of the amount of loan assistance provided by the Office to the farmer; and An annual review of the eligibility of each farmer participating in the Program.

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

As part of the annual report required under § 18–1505 of this title, the Office shall include information regarding implementation of the Program, including: The amount of money allocated for the Program; The number of awards made and amounts of the awards; and The number of applicants denied an award.