Ch. 324                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(7) 9 members appointed by the Governor, as follows:

(i)     1 representative of the Maryland Farm Bureau;

(ii)    1 representative of the Maryland State Grange;

(iii)   1 Maryland dairy producer;

(iv)    2 Maryland dairy processors;

(v)     2 Maryland retailers of dairy products; and

(vi)    2 members at large.

(c)     Staff support for the Task Force shall be provided by the State Department of
Agriculture with the assistance of the Office of Planning and other appropriate units.

(d)     The purposes and responsibilities of the Task Force are to:

(1)     Assess:

(i) The current state of dairy farming in Maryland;

(ii) Trends in production, processing, marketing, and land use that
affect dairy farming and the dairy industry in Maryland; and

(iii) The long-term viability of Maryland dairy farming, allied
industries and services;

(2)     Study the issues raised relating to the state of, trends in, and viability of
the Maryland dairy industry, and options for addressing these issues, both in a
comprehensive manner and in specific strategies;

(3)     Develop recommendations for methods to maintain and improve
Maryland's dairy industry, preserve farmland, and promote the use and consumption of
Maryland milk and dairy products;

(4)     In the course of its assessment, study, and development of
recommendations, conduct meetings in different parts of the State, and encourage
participation from all sectors of the State;

(5)     Propose legislative, regulatory, and other changes required to implement
the recommendations; and

(6)     Monitor the implementation of the recommendations until the Task
Force terminates.; AND

(7)     REVIEW THE STATE LAW AND REGULATIONS THAT ESTABLISH THE
MAXIMUM LENGTH OF TIME GRADE A MILK PRODUCTS MAY BE KEPT FOR SALE,
ASSESS THE IMPACT OF THE STATE LAW AND REGULATIONS ON MARYLAND'S DAIRY
INDUSTRY, AND CONSIDER REPLACING THE SELL-BY PERIOD WITH A
BEST-IF-USED-BY-PERIOD.

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