1. (a)

   1. (1) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2)

      1. (i) “Healthy soils” means the continuing capacity of soil to:

         1. 1. Function as a biological system;
         2. 2. Increase soil organic matter;
         3. 3. Improve soil structure and water and nutrient holding capacity; and
         4. 4. Sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
      2. (ii) “Healthy soils” may include regenerative practices and traditions.
   3. (3) “Program” means the Maryland Healthy Soils Program.

   4. (4)

      1. (i) “Regenerative practices and traditions” means a form of land management and stewardship approaches and practices that:

         1. 1. Draws on traditions and innovations from African, Indigenous, and original land stewards;
         2. 2. Promotes culturally important food and climate justice programs and initiatives; and
         3. 3. Enhances the land and ecosystem through adaptive land management practices that improve soil health and water quality, restore biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and provide the greatest community benefits.
      2. (ii) “Regenerative practices and traditions” includes practices such as producing food in the State for distribution within the State.
2. (b) There is a Maryland Healthy Soils Program.

3. (c) The purpose of the Program is to:

   1. (1) Improve the health, yield, and profitability of the soils of the State;
   2. (2) Increase biological activity and carbon sequestration in the soils of the State by promoting practices based on emerging soil science, including planting mixed cover crops, adopting no-till or low-till farming practices, and rotation grazing; and
   3. (3) Promote widespread use of healthy soils practices among farmers in the State.

4. (d) To carry out the purposes of the Program, the Department shall:

   1. (1) Provide incentives, including research, education, technical assistance, and, subject to available funding, financial assistance, to farmers to implement farm management practices that contribute to healthy soils; and
   2. (2) Determine whether the Program may be implemented in a manner to enhance other State and federal programs that provide financial assistance to farmers.

5. (e)

   1. (1) In each of fiscal years 2024 through 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $500,000 for the Program.
   2. (2) In each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $400,000 for the Program.

<Section effective until July 1, 2030. See, also, section 2-1901 effective July 1, 2030.>

Added by Acts 2017, c. 373, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017. Amended by Acts 2022, c. 38, § 3, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2025, c. 430, § 2, eff. July 1, 2025; Acts 2026, c. 6, § 1, eff. June 1, 2026.