Maryland Department of Agriculture outlines LEAF pilot, EV charger inspection program and midge response
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Summary
The Maryland Department of Agriculture briefed the House committee on programs to support farm profitability and consumer protection, including a new LEAF pilot to test conservation innovations, EV charger inspections launching July 1, and coordination on nuisance midge outbreaks tied to nutrient-rich waterways.
The secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture described a range of programs designed to support farm profitability, conservation innovation and consumer protection.
Kevin Attic, identified in the record as the secretary, said the department’s priorities are conservation, agricultural literacy, food security and preservation. He introduced LEAF (Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming), a pilot program created under the governor’s Bay Legacy Act to prioritize and test new conservation practices with farmer-led input.
The secretary also described the department’s conservation grants, the cover-crop program and technical assistance delivered through soil conservation districts. He said the department operates two animal-health labs (Salisbury and Frederick) to monitor avian influenza and helps coordinate regional responses with neighboring states.
On consumer protection, the department plans an EV charger inspection program launching July 1 to verify that chargers deliver the service consumers pay for, comparable to the state’s weights-and-measures inspections. The secretary said the EV program is being shaped with partner agencies and community input on fees and inspection models.
The secretary acknowledged nuisance midges in Baltimore-area waterways and explained federal vector funds commonly used for disease-carrying mosquitoes do not typically apply to non-biting nuisance midges; therefore, state appropriations and better county coordination are often necessary to mount large-scale responses.
Committee members asked about the CAFO permit lapse and interagency coordination; the secretary said the department will work with MDE and industry partners, but also noted a statutory moratorium linked to late permit renewals that may require legislative change.
The briefing concluded without formal action; members and agencies agreed to additional briefings on permitting and program design.
