MarylandHB 04292026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program - Established

Sponsored By: Regina T. Boyce (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentAgricultureAgriculture, Department ofAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Animals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkAnnotated Code of MarylandAppropriationsCompost and CompostingCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Education, Boards ofEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFarmers and Farming -see also- Agriculture; FarmlandFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.GovernorGrantsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Job Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNonprofit OrganizationsRecyclingReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSoil ConservationStandards and Best PracticesUrban AreasWater PollutionWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

On-farm grants with yearly state funding

Beginning July 1, 2028, farmers and partners can apply for state grants for on‑farm organics work. Grants cover composting, compost use, food rescue, training, studies, wages, and permit application costs. Eligible applicants include farmers, urban farmers, soil conservation districts, colleges, nonprofits, and businesses partnered with a farm. The Governor must include $250,000 for this program in the budget each year starting in FY 2028.

State grants for wasted food projects

Beginning July 1, 2028, the Environment Department runs grants to cut wasted food. Counties, schools, colleges, nonprofits, farmers, and Maryland businesses in good standing can apply alone or in consortia. Money can fund food rescue, composting or recycling of food scraps, animal feed recovery under farm rules, and reusable serviceware. The Department sets rules, uses a simple common application, and helps applicants with limited resources or language barriers.

County block grants to cut food waste

Beginning July 1, 2028, counties get annual block grants sized by population to cut wasted food. Counties must fund local infrastructure, programs, and education for prevention, rescue, and composting. Projects must serve overburdened and underserved areas, plan for low‑contamination, general‑use‑quality compost, and create local jobs and training.

No double grants in the same year

Beginning July 1, 2028, an applicant cannot get both an On‑Farm grant and a Wasted Food grant in the same calendar year. Applicants must pick one program per year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Regina T. Boyce
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Dylan Behler
Democratic • House
Lorig Charkoudian
Democratic • House
Elizabeth Embry
Democratic • House
Kris Fair
Democratic • House
Jessica Feldmark
Democratic • House
Linda Foley
Democratic • House
Anne Healey
Democratic • House
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Mary A. Lehman
Democratic • House
Robbyn Lewis
Democratic • House
Darrell Odom
Democratic • House
Edith J. Patterson
Democratic • House
Sheila Ruth
Democratic • House
Dana Stein
Democratic • House
Todd B. Morgan
Republican • House
Jamila J. Woods
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House
Natalie Ziegler
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 167 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/12/2026