qualifying organizations for premium awards to
exhibitors of agricultural displays. Annually, the
Board issues the Maryland Fair & Show Schedule.
The Board's nine members are appointed
by the Governor to five-year terms (Code
Agriculture Article, secs. 10-301 through
10-303).

TOBACCO AUTHORITY

Earl F. Hance, Chair, 1999
Raymond E. Hutchins, Executive Secretary
(410) 841-5770

Created in 1947, the Tobacco Authority in-
vestigates and studies tobacco marketing and
production in Maryland (Chapter 61, Acts of
Special Session of 1947). The Authority provides
information about the tobacco price structure
and recommends legislation to provide more ef-
ficient handling of tobacco. Along with buyers
and commission agencies, the Authority has a
voice in fixing marketing periods, and it assures
the accuracy of weights and measures used by
tobacco commission selling agencies.
Purchasers and commission agencies (individu-
als, firms, associations, or corporations who sell
tobacco) are licensed by the Authority. In addition,
the Authority collects a fee from the owners of
tobacco sold at a commission agency. To develop
markets for Maryland tobacco, a representative of
the Tobacco Authority visits manufacturers in for-
eign countries, as well as in the United States.
The Authority is composed of eight members
appointed by the Governor for three-year terms.
Authorization for the Authority continues until
July 1, 2001 (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 7-201
through 7-209, 7-401 through 7-418).

MARYLAND WINERY & GRAPE GROWERS'
ADVISORY BOARD

Vacancy, Chair
Contact: Theresa A. Brophy, (410) 841-5770

The Maryland Winery and Grape Growers'
Advisory Board was organized in 1987 (Chapter
507, Acts of 1987). The Board advises the Sec-
retary of Agriculture on the allocation of funds
to promote the production of Maryland grapes
and wines.
The Board consists of nine members. Eight are
appointed to three-year terms by the Governor
upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agricul-
ture. One serves ex officio (Code Agriculture Arti-
cle, secs. 10-1001 through 10-1007).

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES

Douglas H. Wilson, Director

50 Harry S Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-5881

The Office of Administrative Services oversees
central services, data processing, fiscal services, and
personnel services, as well as the Maryland Agricul-
tural Land Preservation Foundation.

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL LAND
PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
Dan C. Shortall, Jr., Chair, 1996
Paul W. Scheidt, Executive Director

50 Harry S Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-5860

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation
Foundation was started in 1977 (Chapter 784, Acts
of 1977). The Foundation implements the Agri-
cultural Land Preservation Program. The Pro-
gram's intent is to preserve productive
agricultural land and woodland in Maryland,
provide for the continued production of food
and fiber, curb the extent of urban sprawl, and
protect agricultural land and woodland as open
space. The Program depends on the cooperation
of county governments, which appoint local ag-
ricultural preservation advisory boards. Partici-
pation in the Program is voluntary on the part of
landowners.
By agreement with the Foundation, landowners
may initiate the creation of an Agricultural Preser-
vation District in which subdivision and develop-
ment are restricted for at least five years. The
creation of such a district protects normal agricul-
tural activities and enables landowners to make
application to sell a development rights easement.
Based upon the availability of funds allocated by the
counties, the Foundation may acquire easements in
accord with a competitive formula defined by law
and subject to local recommendation and appraisal.
Easements thus acquired are perpetual but may be
repurchased after twenty-five years if certain proce-
dures and requirements are met. By gift, devise,
bequest, or grant, the Foundation also may receive
easements in gross or other rights to restrict the use
of agricultural land and woodland.
Maryland has preserved more farmland than any
other state. By June 30, 1994, Maryland had saved
263,986 acres in agricultural preservation districts
and acquired permanent development rights ease-
ments on 109,909 acres.
The Foundation is governed and administered
by a twelve-member Board of Trustees. Nine at-
large members are appointed by the Governor who
names one of these the chair. Three members serve