Department of Agriculture/177

The Department of Agriculture traces its origin to the Maryland Agricultural College, chartered in
1856. (The College was consolidated in 1920 with the University of Maryland.) Trustees of the College
served as the State Board of Agriculture (Chapter 326, Acts of 1888). This board was abolished when the
Department of Agriculture was created in 1972 (Chapter 342, Acts of 1972). In the same year, the
following agencies were abolished and their functions transferred to the Department: the State Horticul-
tural Department, the State Entomologist, the State Pathologist, the State Horticulturist, the Department
of Drainage, the State Drainage Engineer, and the Maryland State Department of Markets (Code
Agriculture Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-107). Regulatory and advisory functions previously overseen
by the University of Maryland's Board of Regents also were transferred to the Department. The
University's role in agricultural research, development, and educational outreach, however, was left intact.
Although the Department of Agriculture does conduct some research projects, it focuses on broader public
responsibilities.

The Department protects the consumer by regulating commodity quality and standardized weights
and measures. It preserves the environment through soil conservation methods that reduce nonpoint
source pollution and by creating agricultural preservation districts. Agricultural yields increase as the
Department eradicates livestock diseases, insect pests, and noxious weeds. Additionally the Department
promotes Maryland agricultural products and develops new markets for them.

Under the Secretary of Agriculture, the Department is organized into four main Offices: Administrative
Services; Animal Health and Consumer Services; Plant Industries and Resource Conservation; and
Marketing and Agricultural Development. The Department also is served by the Board of Review and the
Maryland Agricultural Commission. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints the State Chemist, State
Veterinarian, and the Chief of Weights and Measures.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY The Office of the Secretary provides executive direction for the Department. TTie Secretary is the chief executive officer and is appointed by the Gov- ernor with Senate advice and consent. Responsible for day-to-day operations, the Deputy Secretary is appointed by the Secretary with the Governor's approval. The Office of the Secretary includes the Office of the Assistant Attorney General, internal audit, intergovernmental, and public information func- tions, Office of Aquaculture Programs, and Office of Administrative Services (Code Agriculture Arti- cle, secs. 2-101 through 2-108). OFFICE OF AQUACULTURE PROGRAMS Bradley H. Powers, Aquaculture Coordinator Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 841-5861 The National Aquaculture Act of 1980 set forth the federal policy of encouraging development of an aquaculture industry. Maryland's interest in aquaculture culminated in 1988 when the Depart- ment of Agriculture was designated to promote development of aquaculture and coordinate State efforts in this field (Chapter 534, Acts of 1988). In Maryland, aquaculture has been defined as an agricultural activity—the controlled cultivation and harvest of aquatic plants and animals. Potentially viable aquaculture crops in the State include striped bass and hybrids, oysters, and soft-shell crabs.

The Office of Aquaculture Programs was estab- lished by the Department in 1988. The Office coordinates the aquaculture pro- grams of the Department of Agriculture, Depart- ment of Natural Resources, and the University of Maryland. AQUACULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairperson: Ernest F. Tresselt, 1991 Appointed by Governor: George Kimble Horn, 1989; Michael R. Leedy, 1989; Michael C. Rubino, Ph.D., 1989; Calvert Brice Tolley, 1989; James M. Banagan, 1990; Max E. Chambers, 1990; Frank P. Palmer, Jr., 1990; Francis J. Russell, 1990; John F. Tucker Brown, 1991; Reginal M. Harrell, Ph.D., 1991; James A. Perdue, Ph.D., 1991. Appointed by Senate President: Lewis R. Riley Appointed by House Speaker: John F. Slade III Agency representatives: William F. Sieling, Deft, of Agriculture; Frederick W. Wheaton, Ph.D., University of Maryland College of Agriculture; Lt. Col. W. C. Willing, Deft, of Natural Resources Police; W. Peter Jensen, Deft, of Natural Resources Tidewater Administration The Aquaculture Advisory Committee was cre- ated in 1988 (Chapter 534, Acts of 1988). In consultation with the Senate Economic and Envi- ronmental Affairs Committee and the House of Delegates Environmental Matters Committee, the Committee will propose legislation to promote a major aquaculture industry for Maryland's tidal waters. Recommendations may include aquacul-