The Maryland Tobacco Authority, created by Chapter 61, Acts of
Special Session of 1947, is composed of eight members appointed by
the Governor for three-year terms. The Board elects its own chair-
man.

The Authority may investigate and study any phase of tobacco
marketing or production in the State, provide information about the
tobacco price structure, and make recommendations for legislation to
provide more effective handling of tobacco. Along with the buyers and
commission agencies it has a voice in fixing marketing periods, and it
assures the accuracy of weights and measures used by tobacco com-
mission-selling agencies. The Authority also licenses commission agen-
cies and purchasers, and collects a fee from the owner of tobacco sold
at a commission agency. It uses the funds so collected (Code 1967, Art.
48, sees. 56-73).

From time to time a representative of the Tobacco Authority visits
manufacturers in foreign countries, as well as in the United States, to
develop markets for Maryland tobacco.

Appropriations 1961 1962

Special Funds ......................................... $25,810 $26,347
Staff: 2 plus 3 seasonal employees to supervise markets.

MARYLAND STATE APPLE COMMISSION

Chairman: Raymond K. Gardenhour, 1963

Gilbert M. Miller, 1962; Lloyd Balderston III, 1962; W. Lee
Allen, 1963; Russell N. Flanagan, 1964; Edwin T. McNutt,
1966; R. Samuel Dillon, Jr., 1965.
Secretary: J. Hoogerwerf

Hancock (Washington County) Telephone: Orchard 8-6608

The Maryland State Apple Commission was created within the State
Board of Agriculture by Chapter 628, Acts of 1947. The seven-man
Commission is appointed to four-year terms by the Governor from a
list of fruit growers approved by the Executive Committee of the
Maryland State Horticultural Society. The Commission raises funds
for publicity and advertising, sales promotion, education, and research
to increase the demand for, and consumption of, Maryland apples. All
apples of U. S. Number I Canner Grade or better, grown in Maryland
and sold in commercial trade, are subject to a tax of one cent a bushel.
However, the first five hundred bushels sold by any producer arc tax-
exempt. Commercial growers must report all apples sold during the
crop season by December 31 each year. Apples sold after the season
must be reported by the close of the following May. The Commission
deposits the funds received from these sources with the State Treas-
urer in a Merchandising Fund, and none of this money may be used
for any other purpose, operating expenditures excepted (Code 1957,
Art. 97, sees. 71-83).

Appropriations 1961 1962

Special Funds ............................................. $10,936 $10 960
Staff: 1.