Maryland agriculture budget hearing spotlights LEAF program, avian flu reimbursements and electric-vehicle charger oversight

The House Appropriations Committee Transportation and Environment Subcommittee heard March-style budget testimony on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) proposed fiscal 2026 operating budget, where analysts said the agency’s spending would fall about $6.9 million to roughly $125.9 million and highlighted program cuts, new initiatives and unresolved reimbursement questions.

The Department of Legislative Services’ analyst Andrew Gray presented the DLS review, telling the committee that the MDA allowance “decreases around $6,900,000 or 5.2% to $125,900,000,” and noting several specific items affecting that change, including a $2.2 million reversion tied to tree plantings under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Gray said that money was tied to the Tree Solutions Now Act and likely will appear as a budget reconciliation financing act consideration.

DLS recommended several contingent reductions and restrictions, including trimming a proposed $900,000 appropriation for a new Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEAF) program down to $500,000 in year one and restricting $100,000 until the program files a required report. Gray said DLS wants the department to clarify whether program funding would come from contracts versus grants and how many positions the program would require.

Kevin Addick, secretary of…