Now that 95 percent of the state's eligible farmers are under nutrient management (NM) plans, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now focusing its efforts to bring the remaining 300 farmers who do not have plans into compliance. In addition, MDA will increase on-farm implementation inspections, and ramp up enforcement actions, against those who are found to be out of compliance.
Ninety-seven percent of the state's 1.3 million acres of crop land and 95 percent of the state's 6,300 eligible farmers are complying with the state's nutrient management law, the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.
Ninety-seven percent of the state's 1.3 million acres of crop land and 95 percent of the state's 6,300 eligible farmers are complying with the state's nutrient management law, the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.
All farmers grossing $2,500 a year or more OR livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight are required by law to run their operations using a nutrient management plan that addresses both nitrogen and phosphorus inputs.
Source: MDA news release, 10.02.07
