Maryland agriculture officials defend new LEAF program, seek clarity on reimbursements and IT accounting during appropriations hearing

The House Appropriations Committee Transportation and Environment Subcommittee heard detailed review and questioning of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) fiscal 2026 operating budget, with agency leaders urging clarification on federal reimbursements and workability of new programs while defending staff hiring and IT project costs.

The Department of Legislative Services’ analyst, Andrew Gray, told the subcommittee the MDA budget falls about $6.9 million (5.2%) to $125.9 million and flagged multiple items that need further explanation, including a $2.2 million reversion tied to tree-planting funding, a proposed new Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming program (LEAF), and several large information-technology cash-flow changes. “The agency is not able to use the full $2,500,000 and therefore there's actually a buffer provision to reduce that amount by $2,000,000,” Gray said during his presentation.

Why it matters

Committee members pressed the agency on program intent and the limits of state authority, particularly for new programs and outbreaks that carry federal reimbursement questions. The session laid out possible conditional budget actions the legislature could take — including restricting or reducing new program money — and asked the agency for written follow-up on funding sources, vacancy rates and federal communications.

Key details and agency answers

- Avian influenza reimbursements: The committee pressed MDA about federal reimbursement for work on highly pathogenic avian influenza. Heather…