Understanding Licenses, Permits and Certifications
Nutrient Management Plans
Farmers with either gross income of at least $2500 or 8 more animal units (1 animal unit is 1000lbs) are required to have a Nutrient Management Plan. These plans can be developed by a nutrient management advisor in your county Extension office or through private industry. Plans are updated annually.
Nutrient Voucher Applicator Card
Farm operators who apply nutrients (fertilizer, manure, compost) to at least 10 acres of land are required to have a nutrient applicator voucher. The requirement only applies if you, as the operator, apply the nutrient source. If a custom operator or fertilizer company spreads the nutrients, they are required to have a voucher. Vouchers can be obtained by attending a two hour voucher class once every 3 years. There is no test.
Private Pesticide Applicator Certification
Farmers who want to purchase and apply Restricted Use Pesticides must first become certified as a private pesticide applicator. Certification is obtained by passing an examination administered by MDA. The certification is renewed every three years by attending a 2 hour recertification course. Extension provides review courses, has study materials and hosts the test in county offices.
Soil Conservation Plans
Soil Conservation Plans are voluntary plans which provides a blueprint for water and soil conservation practices on the farm. They are developed through the county based Soil Conservation Office. The plan can be a valuable tool for farmers to manage resources and improve profitability. A conservation plan is a working document designed to fit each individual farmer's needs.
Agriculture Property Assessment
Maryland law provides that lands which are actively devoted to farm or agricultural use shall be assessed according to that use. Assume that a 100 acre parcel of land has a market value of $3,000 per acre. The total value of the parcel would be $300,000 (100 x $3,000). The same 100 acre parcel receiving the agricultural use assessment based on a value of $300 per acre would be $30,000 (100 x $300). The taxes using a combined tax rate of $1.132 per $100 of assessment would be $339 [($30,000 ÷ 100) x $1.132] under the agricultural use assessment and $3,396 [($300,000 ÷ 100) x $1.132] under the market value assessment – a difference of $3,057 or $30.57 per acre. (Source: MD Department of Assessments and Taxation)
Organic Certification
Agriculture producers who plan to sell, label, or represent products as “organic” must meet the requirements of the National Organic Program (NOP) and be certified. The certification process typically takes three years, though there are exceptions.
Building Permits for Farm Structures
The requirements fo building permits for farm structures vary by county. Many counties, especially in the rural tiers have reduced permitting requirements for farm buildings. New storm water management regulations are also now required for farm buildings which exceed a certain size. Always check with your local Planning and Zoning office for the county specific requirements.
Marketing and Food Processing
The sale of processed or adulterated food is regulated by several agencies. There are also regulations which affect the sale of products directly from the farm (direct sales) and requirements for collection of sales taxes.
Complete Description of Regulations Surrounding Marketing and Food Processing
Additional Resources:
- Fencing Rules and Regulations
- Crop Insurance Eligibility and Maryland's Cover Crop Program
- 2014 Changes for Organic Crop Insurance
- Organic Crop Insurance Fact Sheet
- Licenses and Regulation Updates for Farmers Marketing Value-Added Products Directly to Consumers
- Green Book 2014 - Extension Bulletin EB 417 - Woodland Harvest Permits
- Maryland Agricultural Conflict Resolution Service