MD HB1342

Establishes the Maryland Controlled-Environment and Hydroponic Agriculture Program Fund with $5,000,000 annual appropriations for fiscal years 2028 and 2029, providing up to five grants annually for capital costs, operating costs, or technical assistance for controlled-environment or hydroponic agriculture facilities.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to create a one-stop online portal with permitting and licensing information for controlled-environment and hydroponic agriculture operations.

Expands eligibility for the Urban Agriculture Water and Power Infrastructure Grant Fund to include controlled-environment and hydroponic farmers, and increases the permanent General Fund appropriation from $500,000 to $1,000,000 annually.

Creates the Controlled-Environment and Hydroponic Agriculture Workforce Training Initiative to provide matching grants to community colleges for developing curriculum and training programs in this sector.

Mandates local legislative bodies adopt zoning regulations allowing controlled-environment and hydroponic agriculture in urban areas, and establishes state procurement goals for food from these farms (1% in FY2028, 3% in FY2029, and 5% in FY2030 and beyond).