Qualifying Maryland Farms Now Eligible for Five-Year Nutrient Management Plans

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 26, 2026) ~ Annapolis, MD - In a recent regulatory update outlined in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 15.20.07, qualifying agricultural operations are now eligible to extend their nutrient management plans from three to five years. This update applies specifically to no-land, pasture-only, and organic poultry operations that are considered low-risk due to their lack of manure or other nutrient spreading practices.

Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks expressed his support for this change, stating that "Maryland farmers have long been leaders in responsible nutrient management and environmental stewardship." He believes that by extending the plan cycle for qualifying low-risk operations, they can reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while still prioritizing the protection of soil health, water quality, and the Chesapeake Bay.

The following types of operations are eligible for the five-year nutrient management plan extension: no-land operations such as confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), animal feeding operations (AFOs), and other regulated livestock operations that do not have land available for nutrient application; pasture-only operations consisting entirely of pasture land with no manual or mechanical nutrient applications; and organic poultry operations where birds graze outdoors in accordance with organic requirements and no nutrients are applied to fields either manually or mechanically.

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It is important to note that operations that apply commercial fertilizers, manure, biosolids, or other nutrient sources to the land do not qualify for this extension. Additionally, nutrients deposited naturally by grazing animals on pasture land are not considered nutrient applications. Soil tests for pasture-only and organic poultry operations will be valid for the full five years if they are conducted within one year of plan development.

Nutrient management plans play a crucial role in identifying how fertilizer, manure, and other nutrient sources can be responsibly managed to support crop production while preventing excess nutrients from reaching local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. According to state regulations, Maryland farming operations that generate more than $2,500 in income or manage 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight are required to have a nutrient management plan when fertilizing crops or managing animal manure.

For more information on this regulatory update, individuals can review the "Regulatory Update: Nutrient Management Plan Duration Extended to Five Years for Certain Operations" document or contact their regional nutrient management specialist. To learn more about Maryland's Nutrient Management Program, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's website.

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