RIGHT-TO-FARM

    We support responsible and workable actions designed to permit and protect the privilege and rights of farmers, commercial fisherman, and aquaculturalists, to produce without undue or unreasonable restrictions, regulations or harassment from government or the private sector. We support actions to ensure that farmers are protected from undue liability and nuisance suits when carrying out normal production practices. ’05

    We recognize the efforts of the Maryland “Right-to-Farm” Law but believe that it should be strengthened. ’05

    We recommend that right-to-farm laws extend to the ag-supported industry, i.e. equipment dealers, grain and feed storage, processing, etc. We also urge that it be evaluated and amended if necessary to make sure that the use of scare guns (for crop protection) is allowed. ‘02

    Before entering into the judicial system, a plaintiff should be required to bring the agricultural nuisance suit before a county reconciliation board for review in an attempt to settle the nuisance complaint between the effected parties. Failure to follow a county’s right-to-farm law and its reconciliation process should lead to a dismissal of the suit in court and full recovery of the defendant’s legal fees. ’07