1. (a) In this section, “Fund” means the Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program Fund.
2. (b) There is a Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program Fund in the Department.
3. (c) The Department shall administer the Fund.
4. (d) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
5. (e) For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $900,000 to the Fund.

6. (f)

   1. (1) The Fund may be used only to:

      1. (i) Support actions associated with fulfilling the Program's purpose; and
      2. (ii) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, cover the Department's administrative costs to administer the Program.
   2. (2) In each fiscal year, not more than 20% of the Fund may be used for administrative costs of the Department.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 430, § 1, eff. July 1, 2025.