Committee hears bill to let agriculture secretary expand tax subtraction list for emerging farm technology

Delegate Bouchard introduced House Bill 278 to the Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 23, asking lawmakers to expand Maryland’s existing income‑tax subtraction for agricultural equipment by authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to determine what qualifies as “enhanced agricultural management equipment” by regulation.

The bill’s sponsor said the regulatory approach would keep the program current with rapidly changing agricultural technologies and align with the governor’s economic strategy. Katie Stevens, director of the Frederick County Office of Agriculture, told the panel the equipment identified in the bill—such as no‑till planters, nutrient‑management systems and manure‑injection tools—advances sustainable farming by reducing soil erosion and nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.

Lindsey Thompson, executive director of the Maryland Grain Producers Association and a Queen Anne’s County farmer, explained an example of a technology not presently listed in law: an AI sensor that uses NDVI imaging on nutrient applicators to vary fertilizer rates across a field, increasing yield and reducing nutrient loss. Thompson and other farm witnesses asked the committee for a favorable report.

Supporters framed the bill as both an environmental and economic tool—encouraging adoption of conservation‑oriented practices while promoting competitiveness for Maryland agriculture. No formal amendments or votes were taken at the hearing.

Ending: The committee received technical and industry support for a regulatory path to add new precision‑agriculture equipment to an existing tax subtraction; staff follow‑up on statutory drafting and regulatory oversight was requested.