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The Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) will hold its seventh annual Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference (AELC) virtually Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. - noon. This unique event brings together stakeholders from Maryland’s agriculture, conservation, and legal fields to focus on the network of environmental laws affecting the state’s agricultural businesses. Registration for the event is $35; students can attend for free. This year’s conference will feature six panels with experts discussing state and federal agricultural and environmental issues. Continuing nutrient management education credits will be available for attending select sessions. For a detailed schedule and to register, click here.
A few of the topics featured this year include:
Growing Carbon Credits: Should Maryland Farmers Open a Carbon Banking Account?: The Biden administration intends to encourage farmers to adopt practices to combat climate change through carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas mitigation, including an official carbon banking system. This panel will highlight the mechanics of carbon banking and the federal government’s anticipated role.
Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Law and Policy: the Role of Food Policy Councils and the Certified Local Farm Enterprise Program: Recent Maryland legislation established the Certified Local Farm Enterprise Program - attendees will hear from experts, including Maryland Department of Agriculture Program Director Karen Fedor, about how farmers can participate.
Legislative Strategies for Reaching Ag Sector 2025 Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Goals: The 2025 Chesapeake Bay clean-up is a continuing hot topic. In this panel, experts will discuss how recent legal changes, including increased State funding for on-farm conservation and the Clean Water Commerce Act, will impact Maryland’s ability to reach water quality goals.
Using Legal Education to Increase Equitable Participation in NRCS Conservation Programs: This panel will discuss common pitfalls related to NRCS conservation program contracts and an exciting new educational series that will empower farmers through legal education.
In addition, the always popular “Developing Issues in Agricultural and Environmental Law” session will feature recent changes to Maryland’s nutrient management and confined animal feeding operation laws and developing agricultural and environmental law issues to watch out for in 2022. Those with questions about the AELC may contact ALEI at 301-405-1271 or umaglaw@umd.edu.