<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 15.01.18.01" title_num="15" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="18" heading="Purpose.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>This chapter sets forth the appeal procedure for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP). The SFMNP and the WIC FMNP are segments of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). The Maryland Department of Agriculture administers SFMNP in the State. The Maryland Department of Health assists the Department in administering the WIC FMNP in the State. The FMNP, a federal-State partnership with USDA, is designed to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide FMNP recipients with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agricultural programs.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>This chapter, as required under 7 CFR §248.16 for the WIC FMNP and 7 CFR §249.16 for the SFMNP, establishes a procedure for the following persons to appeal certain adverse actions of the Maryland Department of Agriculture in its administration of the FMNP:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>SFMNP applicants and recipients;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Local agencies assisting in implementing the SFMNP; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Farmers participating in the SFMNP and the WIC FMNP and who have applied to participate in these programs.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The Maryland Department of Health has adopted a procedure for the following persons to appeal certain adverse actions it takes in administering its portion of the WIC FMNP:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>WIC FMNP recipients; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Local agencies assisting in distribution of the WIC FMNP.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>