Ch. 467

2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC
PARTNERING OPPORTUNITIES AND BUSINESS INCUBATION;

(5)     FOSTER CROSS-INDUSTRY COMMUNICATION AND ASSIST OTHER
ORGANIZATIONS IN TRANSFERRING TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND
COMMERCIALIZING THE RESULTS AND PRODUCTS OF SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONDUCTED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES; AND

(6)     WORK WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LENDING AND GRANT-MAKING
INSTITUTIONS TO:

(I)      MAKE LOW- AND NO-INTEREST LOANS AND LOAN
GUARANTEES AVAILABLE FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, PRIMARY
PROCESSING, AND SECONDARY MANUFACTURING;

(II)     PROVIDE CREDIT AND CAPITAL TO FIRST-TIME FARMERS FOR
LAND, EQUIPMENT, AND WORKING CAPITAL ACQUISITION; AND

(III)   MAKE INCENTIVES AVAILABLE FOR ACTIVITIES RELATED TO
SMALL FARM OR SMALL LANDOWNER VIABILITY AND BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES.

13-504.

(A)     (1) THERE IS A BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION.

(2) THE BOARD MANAGES THE CORPORATION AND EXERCISES ALL OF
ITS CORPORATE POWERS.

(B)     THE BOARD CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
(1) AS EX OFFICIO MEMBERS:

(I)      THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE OR A DESIGNEE OF THE
SECRETARY WHO MUST BE A SENIOR-LEVEL DEPARTMENTAL OFFICIAL;

(II)     THE SECRETARY OF NATURAL RESOURCES OR A DESIGNEE OF
THE SECRETARY WHO MUST BE A SENIOR-LEVEL DEPARTMENTAL OFFICIAL;

(III)   THE SECRETARY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OR A DESIGNEE OF THE SECRETARY WHO MUST BE A SENIOR-LEVEL
DEPARTMENTAL OFFICIAL;

(IV)    THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND FOOD CENTER
AUTHORITY;

(V)     THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE RURAL MARYLAND
COUNCIL; AND

(VI)    THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND COOPERATE EXTENSION
SERVICE; AND

- 2176 -