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HB 429

On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program - Established

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dylan Behler and 21 co-sponsors

Maryland establishes grant programs incentivizing farms and organizations to compost organic waste and divert food waste from landfills, reducing environmental impact.

Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
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Bill Summary · HB 429

Legislative bill overview

HB 429 establishes two grant programs in Maryland: one supporting on-farm organic waste management and composting, and another funding food waste reduction and diversion initiatives. The bill creates financial incentives for farms and organizations to implement sustainable practices that keep organic materials out of landfills.

Why is this important

Food waste represents a significant environmental and economic problem—roughly one-third of food produced is wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions in landfills while resources are squandered. By incentivizing on-farm composting and food waste diversion, the bill addresses waste management while potentially supporting agricultural sustainability and soil health improvements.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding source and budget: No explicit appropriation details are mentioned; legislators may debate whether sufficient funding exists or if new revenue sources are needed
  • Eligibility criteria and fairness: Questions about which farms/organizations qualify, farm size requirements, and whether small operations can realistically access grants
  • Implementation timeline and capacity: State agencies implementing these programs may lack existing infrastructure; unclear whether administrative costs are proportionate to environmental benefits
  • Measuring effectiveness: Difficulty in establishing metrics to demonstrate that grant spending actually reduces landfill waste versus simply subsidizing existing practices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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