Nutrient Management for Farms
     We believe in a voluntary nutrient management program and that all farmers should apply nutrients in an economically and environmentally proper manner based on sound science. ’07
     MDA should maintain sole responsibility for implementation and enforcement of nutrient management plans. ’08
     We support a Maryland Department of Agriculture nutrient management program that
     (1) produces real water quality improvement,
     (2) makes efficient use of taxpayer funds,
     (3) requires reasonable recordkeeping,
     (4) protects civil liberties and private property rights,
     (5) provides adequate flexibility for farmers to properly manage their operations, and
     (6) provides appropriate inspection and enforcement. ‘08
     We request a review and simplification of guidelines and requirements of the nutrient management program to achieve the following:
     a. A simple and inexpensive planning process. ’05
     b. Provide for “off the shelf” nutrient management plans for less complex farm operations. ’05
     c. Allow the use of nutrient standards for manure established by the University of Maryland if so desired.’05
     d. Prevent yield capping.
     e. Allow the use of scientifically valid nutrient recommendations from the University of Maryland or other public and private sources. ’07
     f. The elimination of the Nutrient Management Voucher requirements. ’06
     We support the continuation of the farmer-filed annual certification of plan compliance along with an annual summary of nutrient application rather than requiring the filing of the completed plan. ’06

Nutrient Management Plan Confidentiality
     We oppose the release of a farmer’s state or privately-written nutrient management plan (or data related to the plan) to the public by MDA or any other government entity. Furthermore, once nutrient management plans are expired or out-of-date they should be properly destroyed. ’08

Non-Farmer Nutrient Use and Education
     We support reduction of nutrients from all non-farm sources entering the Chesapeake Bay and encourage education of residential users of nutrients. '03

Nutrient Management Planning/Delivery
     We seek reinstatement of full funding for Nutrient Management Cost-Share for the development and updating of nutrient management plans by private industry and by Maryland Cooperative Extension. All funding should be evaluated for efficiencies. ’07
     Assets and personnel should be redeployed through the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension to provide:
     (1) Adequate nutrient management planning staff in each county to service all farmers who request assistance;
     (2) Permanent Extension positions with competitive salaries and benefits for nutrient management planners;
     (3) training for all farmers who desire to write their own nutrient management plans. ’06
     We request that funding for nutrient management education and plan development go directly to Maryland Cooperative Extension in order to hire and maintain adequate permanent nutrient management advisors.’06

MAFO/CAFO Permits
     We believe that the current nutrient management program more than adequately addresses agriculture nutrient issues. We strongly oppose additional requirements, such as the proposed Maryland Animal Feeding Operation (MAFO) and the revised Confined Animal Feeding Operation permit by MDE. ’08

Manure and Litter Management
     We strongly urge MDA to review the requirements and procedures for the manure transport program. The process should be made more user-friendly. '03
     The preferred use of animal manure and poultry litter should be land application for crop production when applied in accordance with best management practices. '04
     Field storage guidelines for all animal species where field storage is permissible shall be based on sound science recommendations. ‘08

Soil Testing
     We recommend that a public soil testing lab at the MD Department of Agriculture be opened and available to Maryland farmers/landowners. ’08
     We believe MDA should work with the University of Maryland and the soil testing labs used by area farmers to develop a soil test report and recommendations that can be directly included in a certified plan. '03
     We request adequate funding to fund the total cost of all soil analysis submitted to comply with the state mandated nutrient management regulations. '04