Protecting our water and food supply, public health, providing greater economic opportunity/benefits for farmers - a number of well aimed bills in Annapolis, in addition to a recently passed provision for urban farming tax credits in Montgomery County, should make residents proud. The session is not over but for several key bills there is reason for optimism.
First the bad news... despite widespread support, Delegate David Fraser Hidalgo's bill providing for cultivation of hemp on private farmland stalled due to obstruction from MD Department of Agriculture. The block came in the form of a hefty budget estimate ($1.4 million) ostensibly to facilitate hemp production. In reviewing the estimate of cost, including new labs and security vans and multiple staff members, one was left with the impression that there simply was no interest in providing for the cultivation of this multi-use, high return crop. Maryland will fall behind other states that are benefitting both economically and environmentally from hemp production. Huge thanks to all who wrote and testified in support. Special shout out to our friends at Lady Farmer, a new sustainable garment company headquartered right here in the Ag Reserve. Mother-daughter team, Mary and Emma, brought science, economics and bright enthusiasm to Annapolis with their testimony declaring their desire to grow the fiber for their small clothing company in Reserve soil.
The Bill
MCA testimony
The Bill
MCA testimony
 | And good news... Making farming easier where people live. Inspired by the story of Charlie Koiner and his daughter Lynn's 40 year successful farm in downtown Silver Spring and with a eye toward ensuring that these types of urban farm oasis succeed, Council Member Tom Hucker garnered unanimous Council vote for his Urban Farm Tax Credit legislation. MCA is proud to facilitate ongoing operation of the Koiner farm through our Land Link Montgomery program. Charlie and Lynn now have a skilled yet eager to learn more next gen farmer on board. News Media |
| After 5 years of effort, a statewide ban on fracking, garnering a veto proof majority in the House and support from Governor Hogan, is headed, unamended, to the Senate. Again, many thanks to those of you who responded to our calls for action by calling and writing your representatives. It took some work as Senator Miller was working to amend the ban by requiring county by county referendum. The Bill MCA's testimony: The Case of the Communicating Wells |  |
Keep Antibiotics Safe and Effective!
The Centers for Disease Control have warned of the dangers of over use of antibiotics for a number of years. And the rise of "superbugs" or antibiotic resistant illnesses (over 2 million effected annually) has caused global alarm. With 70% of human antibiotics being used by livestock and poultry farmers, in many cases as a means of broad preventative in healthy animals, there was an imperative to establish limitations for agricultural use of antibiotics. Use on healthy animals would be prohibited while sick animals or farms experienced disease outbreak could use antibiotics. The bills each passed their respective houses with bipartisan support. We trust that Governor Hogan will not veto. Passage will make Maryland the second state (1st California) to enact antibiotic safety legislation.
Keep Antibiotics Safe Legislation
Factsheet
MCA in media
The Centers for Disease Control have warned of the dangers of over use of antibiotics for a number of years. And the rise of "superbugs" or antibiotic resistant illnesses (over 2 million effected annually) has caused global alarm. With 70% of human antibiotics being used by livestock and poultry farmers, in many cases as a means of broad preventative in healthy animals, there was an imperative to establish limitations for agricultural use of antibiotics. Use on healthy animals would be prohibited while sick animals or farms experienced disease outbreak could use antibiotics. The bills each passed their respective houses with bipartisan support. We trust that Governor Hogan will not veto. Passage will make Maryland the second state (1st California) to enact antibiotic safety legislation.
Keep Antibiotics Safe Legislation
Factsheet
MCA in media
