Regulatory Reform
     We urge consideration be given to the economic impact upon farmers and landowners as local, state, and federal legislators and agencies develop laws, regulations and policies. ’06
     We request that the farm community continue to be consulted and be allowed to participate in the formulation of regulations and laws at all levels of government particularly when they impact the Ag community. ‘05
     Agencies developing regulations should have a thorough knowledge of all related aspects of agriculture, not just their immediate subject matter, or they should seek additional input from agriculture in the development of regulations. ‘05
     We urge all government agencies develop regulations in cooperation with other agencies so that there is a reduction in duplication and a consistency of purpose. ’05
     We ask for removal of the question on Maryland's death certificate in bold print "Did tobacco use contribute to the cause of death, YES { } NO { } UNCERTAIN { } ? ’06
      Governing bodies mandating new regulations must fund the cost of implementing said regulations ’05
      We recommend that all State agencies review their rules and regulations that affect the agriculture industry and modify and/or eliminate those that are outdated or serve no purpose. ’05
      Regulations imposed on agriculture shall be based on economically sound and scientifically proven research to ensure that agriculture, including livestock and poultry industries, remains viable and continues to be a strong economic base for Maryland. All regulations shall be subjected to a rigorous scientifically justifiable cost/benefit analysis. ’07
     The General Assembly’s Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) Committee should have the authority to prevent a proposed regulation from being implemented. The Committee should be able to refer controversial proposals to the full General Assembly for a vote or for amendment before an agency can implement the proposed regulation. ’08
     Since innovative ideas and non-traditional thinking have been the underpinnings of agricultural advancement, we urge the various agencies to allow for this in the writing and enforcement of policies and regulations, provided basic health and safety concerns are met. '04

Elected Officials
     We recommend that any proposed pay increases for policy making elected officials shall be placed on the general elections ballot in an electoral year in which a candidate for Governor is on the ballot and shall not become effective until ratified by the electorate. In addition, no retirement benefits shall accrue to any policy making elected official as a result of service in that position. ’05
     We support a constitutional change to elect one senator per county. ’07
     We support a House of Delegates apportioned on population with a minimum of one delegate per county. ’07
     We oppose any method of selection for Clerks of the Court, Register of Wills, and Judges of the Orphans Court, other than election by the people. ’07
     We urge local control in the selections of those responsible for operating our local court systems. ’07

Ethics
     We support a change in current State law to allow farmers to become eligible for employment by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. ’06

State and Local Agencies
     We support the co-location of ag agencies, ag education and resources in regional ag centers when feasible. ’07
     The Maryland Department of Agriculture should remain as a separate cabinet level agency. ’08
     We urge the Maryland Legislature to make English the official language for the state. '08
     Farm Bureau does not support the State Law (MD Code, Article 28, Section 2-116, Entry on Private Premises) that allows unlimited access onto farms and into buildings by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission staff. We support a revision to restrict the access of Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission staff and agents on private property to no greater than is allowed to law enforcement agencies. ’07
     Many issues related to the production of agricultural crops in Maryland are regulated by government. The use of irrigation water, nutrient management, pest management, agricultural Best Management Practices and forest management should be regulated by the appropriate federal or state agency. County governments should be precluded from regulating these practices. ’08

Maryland Agricultural Commission
     We support the efforts by the Maryland Agricultural Commission to implement the Strategic Plan for Agriculture. ’08

Government Spending
     We urge the reduction of government agency bureaucracy and duplication in an effort to reduce costs, fees and frustration of the general public. '04
     We urge all levels of government to operate within a balanced budget.’07

Procurement
     We believe that all government purchases (including DNR purchases) should be made through local Maryland businesses. '03

State Owned Farmland
     Maryland should keep productive farmland in production on all land it owns and purchases. Only land that is needed as buffers to protect soil and water resources should be converted to conservation uses. ’08