MD SB599

Establishes the On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program in the Department of Agriculture beginning July 1, 2028, with $250,000 annual appropriation required in the state budget

Eligible grant recipients include farmers, urban farmers, urban agricultural producers, soil conservation districts, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and businesses partnering with farmers

Grants support projects that reduce wasted food, rescue edible food for redistribution, recover food waste as animal feed, compost food residuals, provide training, study compost impacts on water quality, and cover permit costs

Priority given to projects serving overburdened or underserved communities, producing minimally contaminated compost meeting U.S. Composting Council standards, and maximizing local job creation and community benefits

Department of Agriculture must report annually to the General Assembly by December 31 on grants awarded, job creation impacts, food waste diverted, and effects on farmers statewide