{"id":27370,"date":"2023-06-01T11:00:04","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T15:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=27370"},"modified":"2023-06-01T09:27:49","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T13:27:49","slug":"maryland-department-of-agriculture-pivots-toward-a-more-options-driven-nutrient-management-plan-writing-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2023\/06\/01\/maryland-department-of-agriculture-pivots-toward-a-more-options-driven-nutrient-management-plan-writing-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Department of Agriculture Pivots Toward a More Options-Driven Nutrient Management Plan Writing Program\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Annapolis, MD (June 1, 2023) – <\/b>The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced a shift in its Nutrient Management Plan Writing Program that will focus on a new approach to education, training, and farmer empowerment. The decision to move to this new options-rich model comes as a greater demand for plan writing has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland have enjoyed a long-standing partnership regarding Nutrient Management Plan writing and that will continue with this new program,\u201d said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. \u201cIn addition to new incentives for farmers, this program will align with Chesapeake Bay goals while giving Maryland farmers the tools they need to succeed as strong stewards of the environment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200bMaryland law requires all farmers grossing $2,500 a year or more or livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. Nutrient management plans specify how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields and prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of their complexity, these plans must be prepared by a certified University of Maryland specialist, certified private consultant, or farmer who is trained and certified by the department to prepare his or her own plan.<\/span> Driven by input from industry, the nutrient plan writing program will expand Maryland farmers’ access to nutrient management plan writers and plan writing services, helping farmers meet their environmental stewardship needs and grow compliance with statewide regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The transition is anchored by a valued partnership and educational and training expertise provided by The University of Maryland\u2019s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, access to new, beneficial cost-share programs and plan-writing services offered by industry professionals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The new program features a progressive approach that includes the following:<\/span><\/p>\n