By Mayhah Suri
What Kind of Ag Law Outreach Would You Like to See? Now available online is a program evaluation for the Ag Law Education Initiative (ALEI). The evaluation will help ALEI determine what topics to prioritize in the coming years. Let us know what you want to know! You can take the brief, anonymous survey here: http://go.umd.edu/ALEIEval
State Awards $1.7 Million for Innovative Manure Management Projects Maryland Department of Agriculture has awarded more than $1.7 million in grants for two animal waste management technology projects in Somerset and Anne Arundel counties. “These systems represent a real breakthrough in addressing the challenges that poultry and livestock farmers across Maryland and the country are facing when managing manure resources,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. To read the full press release go here: http://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2016/09/02/state-awards-1-7-million-for-innovative-manure-management-projects-in-somerset-and-anne-arundel-counties/ New Publication- Agricultural Water in Maryland This publication walks growers through the water appropriation permit process. The publication also includes an explanation of how water usage for the farm community is treated during a time of drought. You can find it here: http://go.umd.edu/imu
New Maryland Ag Podcast on Farm Distilleries Available Farmers are often looking for new ways to diversify their operations. In this episode, Paul is rejoined by Mayhah Suri to discuss the licensing process to get the license and things producers need to be aware of before opening a distillery. Find the podcast here: https://marylandagpodcast.org/2016/09/07/opening-an-on-farm-distillery-in-maryland/
Reminder Crop Insurance Workshop is Sept. 13. Want to learn about climate change and agriculture and new developments with the crop insurance program? Then come to Doubletree Hotel on Sept. 13 from 9am to 3:30. The workshop is free to attend and you can register at http://go.umd.edu/MdCropInsWorkshop.
Food Security Increasing in US, Says New USDA Report USDA’s Economic Research Service released its Household Food Security in the United States in 2015 report Sept. 7. The report found that most U.S. households are food secure, meaning they have consistent, dependable access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. But the report, by Alisha Coleman-Jensen, Matthew Rabbitt, Christian Gregory and Anita Singh, found that some American households find their access to adequate food limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the report found food insecurity among children has fallen to the lowest figures on record. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/2cf3nA6