2014 Annual Implementation Forms Mailed to Farmers; Now Available Online

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 7, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced that 2014 Annual Implementation Reporting forms (AIRs) and instructions have been mailed to about 5,500 Maryland farmers who are regulated under the Nutrient Management Program. These farmers are required to manage their farms using nutrient management plans and submit AIRs to MDA by March 1, 2015 describing how they utilized nutrients during the 2014 calendar year. The forms are also available here.

The reporting content for the 2014 AIR is similar to last year; however, the form has been reformatted to make it easier to read with additional space for reporting total pounds of available nutrients applied. Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) covered under a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) submit one combined AIR/CAFO Reporting Form to MDA who will copy the part of the form that it needs and forward the CAFO portion to MDE. CAFOs must also submit a manure analysis with their combined form.

Here are some tips for farmers to keep in mind when completing the 2014 AIR:

• When possible, use the pre-filled form that was mailed to you. Additional forms and instructions are also available at maryland.gov.
• Do not leave any spaces blank. If no nutrients were applied, write “none applied” or place a zero in the box.
• If information requested does not apply to your operation, write N/A in the box.
• Complete all information requested.
• Use the envelope provided to mail the AIR to your regional nutrient management office by the March 1 deadline.
• Failure to submit an AIR may result in fines and/or loss of eligibility to receive MDA cost-share funds.

“The AIR reporting form provides Maryland farmers with an opportunity to document farm management techniques that reduce the movement of nutrients and sediment to local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “I urge all Maryland farmers to complete their AIRs honestly, accurately and on time so that MDA can fully account for everything that agriculture is doing to reduce nutrient loads to the Bay.”

Farmers should check their mailboxes for MDA’s 2014 AIR, or access the reporting forms and instructions here.

For more information, farmers should contact their regional nutrient management office.

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