Poultry leaders say expired CAFO permit has effectively halted new chicken farms in Maryland

Industry representatives told the House Environment and Transportation Committee that Maryland’s lapse in a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) permit has created a practical moratorium on new poultry operations.

"Right now, there is effectively a moratorium on new CAFO permits in Maryland due to factors outside of legislative process," said Rusty Covington, president of the Delmarva Chicken Association board. Covington said the lapse prevents new applicants from getting permits, starting site work or securing financing.

Covington and lenders described the economic consequences for prospective and expanding growers. He estimated between $30 million and $40 million in business is stalled because projects cannot move forward without permits. Wayne Richard of Horizon Farm Credit explained that site-engineering and stormwater plans can cost $20,000–$60,000 and that banks will not finance projects without the required environmental permits.

Committee members asked the Department of Agriculture why the permit expired. Kevin Attic, identified in the record as secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, said the department will coordinate with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the industry to prevent future late renewals. He also told the committee that the moratorium on issuing new CAFO permits when renewals are late is statutory and likely needs a legislative fix.

Lawmakers scheduled a separate briefing with MDE to press for details and expect follow-up on whether administrative or statutory corrections are needed to allow new farm starts to proceed.

No formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.