1. A. This chapter sets forth the appeal procedure for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP). The SFMNP and the WIC FMNP are segments of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). The Maryland Department of Agriculture administers SFMNP in the State. The Maryland Department of Health assists the Department in administering the WIC FMNP in the State. The FMNP, a federal-State partnership with USDA, is designed to:

   1. (1) Provide FMNP recipients with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs; and
   2. (2) Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agricultural programs.

2. B. This chapter, as required under 7 CFR §248.16 for the WIC FMNP and 7 CFR §249.16 for the SFMNP, establishes a procedure for the following persons to appeal certain adverse actions of the Maryland Department of Agriculture in its administration of the FMNP:

   1. (1) SFMNP applicants and recipients;
   2. (2) Local agencies assisting in implementing the SFMNP; and
   3. (3) Farmers participating in the SFMNP and the WIC FMNP and who have applied to participate in these programs.

3. C. The Maryland Department of Health has adopted a procedure for the following persons to appeal certain adverse actions it takes in administering its portion of the WIC FMNP:

   1. (1) WIC FMNP recipients; and
   2. (2) Local agencies assisting in distribution of the WIC FMNP.

Authority: Agriculture Article, §2-103, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .01—.11 adopted as an emergency provision effective September 10, 2021 (48:19 Md. R. 799); emergency provision expired effective March 8, 2022

Regulations .01—.11 adopted effective April 4, 2022 (49:7 Md. R. 469)

Regulation .01 amended effective January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 16)

Regulation .02B amended effective January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 16)

Regulation .03B amended effective January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 16)

Regulation .05 amended effective January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 16)

Regulation .07A, B, C amended effective January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 16)

Regulation .09 amended effective January 22, 2024 (51:1 Md. R. 16)