(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Certified local farm enterprise” means a local farm enterprise that: (1) meets the nutrient management requirements established under Title 8, Subtitle 8 of the Agriculture Article; and (2) is certified by the Department in accordance with regulations adopted under this subtitle. (c) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture. […]
(a) (1) There is an Office for the Certified Local Farm Enterprise Program in the Department. (2) The purpose of the Office is to administer the Program and facilitate the participation of certified local farm enterprises in the Program. (b) (1) There is a Certified Local Farm Enterprise Program in the Office. (2) The purpose of the Program is to encourage […]
(a) (1) Each unit shall structure procurement procedures, consistent with the purposes of this subtitle, to try to achieve an overall percentage goal of 20% of the unit’s total dollar value of procurement contracts for food being made directly or indirectly to certified local farm enterprises. (2) A unit may achieve the 20% goal through: (i) competitive sealed bids […]
(a) In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article, the Office shall adopt regulations to implement this subtitle. (b) The regulations shall establish procedures to be followed by units, certified local farm enterprises, and successful bidders or offerors to maximize notice to, and the opportunity to participate in the food procurement process by, […]
(a) In the same manner and with the same fees as provided by law in civil cases, in a matter regarding the decertification of a certified local farm enterprise, the Office may: (1) subpoena witnesses; (2) administer oaths; and (3) compel the production of records, books, papers, and other documents. (b) If a person fails to comply with a subpoena […]
(a) Within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year, each unit shall report to the Office. (b) A report under this section for the preceding fiscal year shall: (1) state the total number and value of procurement contracts for food between the unit and certified local farm enterprises; (2) indicate the percentage that those procurement contracts for […]
(a) (1) The Department shall develop and maintain a directory of all certified local farm enterprises. (2) The directory shall be accessible to the public on the Department’s website. (b) The Department shall include the following information for each certified local farm enterprise included in the directory: (1) all contract information available to the Department for the certified local farm […]
(a) There is a Certified Local Farm Enterprise Food Aggregation Grant Fund. (b) The purpose of the Fund is to support the creation of food aggregation, storage, processing, and distribution sites across the State through grants and near–equity investments. (c) The Maryland Agricultural and Resource–Based Industry Development Corporation shall administer the Fund. (d) The Fund consists of: (1) money appropriated […]
