Maryland (December 17, 2020) – The Maryland Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) Advisory Committee met Monday, December 14, 2020, to discuss the possibility of a one-year delay in full implementation scheduled for July of 2021. Ultimately, the committee voted 11-3 not to recommend a one-year delay before full-implementation of the PMT. Although Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA), Maryland Farm Bureau (MFB), and Maryland Grain Producers (MGPA) may have been on different sides of the issue as members of the PMT Advisory Committee; we are very much united in continuing to work towards solutions to ensure a smooth transition to the PMT for our members.
Maryland Farm Bureau has policy supporting the delay of full implementation of the PMT until the science behind the tool is validated. The PMT Advisory Committee was informed that the University of Maryland is conducting this field-level PMT research to be completed over 5 years. Understanding that the regulations do not allow for a delay of that tenure, DCA, MFB, and MGPA are committed to working with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to ensure that programs and resources are in place to assist farmers with efficiently and effectively implementing the PMT.
Each organization has communicated with the PMT Advisory Committee and MDA about programs and resources needed. We collectively request that MDA implement and report out the following working toward full implementation of the PMT in July:
- Allow manure storage structures on non-poultry producing farms to be eligible for the Maryland Agricultural Cost Share (MACS). These structures would allow end-users to receive and store litter throughout the year to avoid the logjam of transport need in the spring.
- Maintain funding for the Manure Transport Program and increase the mileage cap to allow farmers in central and southern Maryland to utilize the program.
- Expand the Income Tax Subtraction Modification for Conservation Equipment to manure hauling (trucks and trailers) and spreading equipment.
- Move forward with regional aggregation sites for poultry litter including Maryland Environmental Service sites and others. Ensure farmers will not be charged a tipping fee to send litter.
- Continue to work closely with the University of Maryland and commodity groups to identify farmers throughout the state who can utilize and are interested in purchasing poultry litter as fertilizer.
- Work to collect 2021 soils data as required by the PMT as soon as possible to validate acres available for manure application.
- Validate that fertilizer distributors on the lower eastern shore have adequate storage, delivery, and application capacity to accommodate the increase in the commercial Nitrogen need as farmers transition from poultry litter as their nutrient source.
- Continue efforts to explore transporting litter by railroad.
- Convene the PMT advisory committee at-least bi-annually to offer updates and receive feedback on implementation.
Maryland farms and agribusinesses are leaders in conservation and environmental stewardship, consistently adopting new methods, inputs, and equipment to aid in those efforts. However, being ahead of the curve in this manner means that as our members are being asked to think outside the box and alter their farming practices according to new rules and regulations, so too should our state agency partners like MDA and the Maryland Department of the Environment. Swift and persistent action on the recommendations above and continued dialogue as the PMT is fully implemented will be critical to ensure minimal economic disruptions to Maryland’s farm families as they continue their leadership in conservation.
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Delmarva Chicken Association is the Delmarva chicken industry’s voice as the premier membership association focusing on advocacy, education, and member relations. For more information, visit dcachicken.com.
Maryland Farm Bureau is the voice of Maryland’s rural and agricultural communities. We promote and protect Maryland agriculture and rural life with the support of our passionate membership, ensuring the future of our natural resources, food supply, and rural heritage that are all part of what makes Maryland our home. Learn more about the organization here.
Maryland Grain Producers Association is a membership organization of grain producers across the state. The organization’s major role is to act as a vote for grain farmers, mostly through its legislative activities both at the state and federal level. Members stay informed through a bi-weekly newsletter, social media, and the Maryland Commodity Classic. Learn more about the organization here.
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