Paid for by Citizens for Colburn Committee. Authority John W. Phillips, Jr., Treasurer

Sen. Colburn appointed to ag committee
July 24, 2005
Star Democrat

ANNAPOLIS — State Senate President Mike Miller has announced that Sen. Richard Colburn, R-37th-Mid-Shore, will be the Senate’s Eastern Shore representative on the newly established Agricultural Stewardship Commission.

Responding to news of the appointment, Colburn saId, “I’m honored to represent the agricultural community on this committee. We have made great progress in the past two and a half years in partnering with those in agriculture to find a positive approach to nutrient management. With government and the ag community working together, I am confident we will finally realize our goals of reducing nutrient runoff from farm land into our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

“The commission was established by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to examine one of the critical issues facing Maryland: finding incentive-driven solutions to help farmers implement sound agricultural practices that will help clean up Marylandís rivers and streams,” said Colburn. “The commission anticipates legislation for the 2006 session based on recommendations developed during the 2005 interim. The goal is to find solutions that keep excess manure off the land and provide financial incentives for farmers.”

The first meeting, to be held Tuesday, July 26 in Annapolis, will address cost-effective strategies for reducing nutrient runoff to the Chesapeake Bay and plans for reducing excess manure. The group will hear discussion relating to scientific information on nutrient pollution and the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement.

An overview of current programs and funding available for nutrient management activities in Maryland will be presented.