Agriculture is and hopeful
always will be of vital importance to maintaining the character
and quality of life in the 36th district of Maryand's Eastern
Shore. My voting Record on pro-agriculture bills and my
leadership as Vice-Chair of the Eastern Shore Delegation are
the best indication of where I will be on future agriculture
issues.
Shortly after being elected there was a significant
increase in the Diary Farm Permit fees. As soon as my office
was contacted by constituent farmers, I contacted the
Secretary of Agriculture, the Lt. Governor and the Governor's
Office within a matter of days we were successful in getting
the fee increase withdrawn.
In addition, this last session, we were able to get 3.1
million dollars in Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation
Fund monies to purchase agricultural easements in five
counties. In Cecil County this amounted to 1.47 million
dollars to purchase 273.5 acres.
I submitted a bill (which was unsuccessful) to make the
agricultural easement payments to farmers tax free. I will
submit this bill again next year. We were also successful in
passing HB-634 which will allow a Cecil County Wine Festival
featuring and promoting Maryland wines.
I also supported HB-2 the Agricultural Stewardship Act
and the change in Right to Farm legislation which now requires
mediation before a case can be taken to court. I supported
establishing a Health Agricultural Ombudsman, allowing farm buildings
to be used for Agricultural Tourism and HB-1122 allowing small
wineries to continue operating outside of the three-tier
system. I have supported the Biodiesel Fuel Usage Act and
HP-1083 which lowers the filing fee for incorporated family
farms. I have also been a big supporter of Chesapeake Fields
projects.
The ability of farmers to utilize their land in new and
innovative ways for producing income, such as agro-tourism,
should be facilitated by elected officials and not hindered.
There are many other pro agriculture bills I supported and I
will continue to be a leader on pro agriculture issues.
If you have any questions about this or any other matter
please contact us.
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