MD: MDA LAUNCHES ONLINE REGULATORY INFORMATION CENTER

News Date October 06, 2009

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has launched an online regulatory action center, which will provide transparency for the department’s enforcement actions.

 “We hope that by publicizing our activities it will give the public a better understanding of how MDA protects consumers, businesses and the environment on a daily basis,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “We also hope this will be a deterrent of future violations of the law by the regulated agricultural community to keep Maryland smart, green and growing.”

MDA's Regulatory Information Center is designed to provide information to the public about enforcement actions the department takes and the process MDA follows in response to violations of state laws or regulations. This information includes administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions.

MDA will continue to announce departmental enforcement actions on an ongoing basis through press releases and updates on the new webpage dedicated to regulatory activity.

MDA strives for swift resolution of environmental problems as well as deterrence of future violations of the laws in the Agriculture Article by the regulated community.  For more than 30 years, MDA has been protecting consumers and the environment and ensuring fairness in the marketplace through education, preservation, service, promotion and regulation activities.  MDA works to ensure compliance with agricultural laws and regulations and to initiate enforcement action when warranted. Enforcement is one of the tools the department uses - usually following education, technical and financial assistance if appropriate - to carry out its mission to assure consumer confidence, protect the environment and promote agriculture. Agricultural laws and regulations are established to protect and foster a healthy and sustainable future for agriculture while protecting and preserving the environment. (Contact: Sue duPont, (410) 841-5889)