Department Operations During State of Emergency

Response to COVID-19 Emergency Orders

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In response to Governor Larry Hogan’s unprecedented actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is implementing policies to limit in-person transactions and safeguard the health of its employees, stakeholders and the general public. 

Effective immediately, all non-emergency essential MDA employees will be teleworking until further notice. During this time, MDA staff will continue to be available by phone and email. 

Additionally, all in-person public meetings will be cancelled, postponed or held via teleconference. Information and updates on individual meetings will be posted on the department’s website and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter) as it becomes available. 

As part of the state’s strong response to COVID-19, Governor Hogan issued an executive order providing a grace period for any state licenses, permits and/or registrations that may be expiring or up for renewal during the state of emergency. Renewal deadlines will be extended up to 30 days after the state of emergency is lifted. This order applies to a number of items issued by MDA programs, including but not limited to: pesticide applicator licenses, State Chemist product registrations and nutrient management certifications.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and the department will continue working hard to maintain normal operations as much as possible. Any questions regarding specific programs or services provided by MDA should be sent to mda.news@maryland.gov.

For more information on the statewide response to COVID-19, please visit governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.

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