§2–206.

    (a)    In this section, “Committee” means the Committee on Young Farmers.

    (b)    There is a Committee on Young Farmers.

    (c)    (1)    The Committee consists of 10 members designated by the Secretary in consultation with the Executive Secretary of the Maryland Agricultural Commission.

        (2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Secretary shall designate the members of the Committee on an annual basis.

            (ii)    A member of the Committee that is appointed as a member of the Maryland Agricultural Commission may continue to serve on the Committee until the expiration of their term on the Maryland Agricultural Commission.

    (d)    (1)    Each member of the Committee shall:

            (i)    Be interested in the preservation and development of Maryland agriculture;

            (ii)    Derive at least 50% of the member’s personal income from farming or agricultural activities in the State;

            (iii)    Be a resident of the State; and

            (iv)    Be under the age of 45 years at the beginning of the member’s term.

        (2)    To the extent practicable, the members of the Committee shall represent regional diversity and a variety of industries.

    (e)    The Committee shall:

        (1)    Communicate to the general public, State government, and the Maryland Agricultural Commission the importance of young and beginning farmers to agriculture in the State;

        (2)    Identify and address issues relating to young and beginning farmers in the State and make recommendations to the Maryland Agricultural Commission; and

        (3)    Hold meetings at least once during each calendar quarter of the year.

    (f)    A member of the Committee:

        (1)    May not receive compensation; but

        (2)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

    (g)    The Department shall provide staff for the Committee.