The Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) will host the 2025 Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference (AELC) from 7:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, Md. This unique annual event brings together stakeholders from Maryland’s agriculture, conservation, and legal fields to focus on the network of environmental laws affecting the state’s agricultural businesses. This year’s conference will feature six panels with experts discussing state and federal agricultural and environmental issues.
A few of the topics featured this year include:
From Crops to Kilowatts: Growing with Maryland’s Energy Demands: Maryland’s expanding energy needs are reshaping rural communities. This session will cover legal issues tied to new transmission lines, eminent domain, and opportunities for agrivoltaics that combine farming with solar power.
Maryland's New Heat Illness Prevention Standard: Last fall, Maryland introduced a new Heat Illness Prevention Standard that applies to any workplace—indoors or outdoors—where the heat index reaches 80°F or more. This includes farms. Learn what the rule requires and how agricultural employers can stay compliant while protecting their workforce.
Addressing Local Food Security through Farmer-Centered Community Partnership Networks: This panel will feature a discussion on the impacts of federal policy changes for health and nutrition benefits programs, as well as state and local policy and partnership solutions that can help sustain food access programs. It will also highlight lessons learned from ALEI's Maryland-based SARE outreach project, showing how farmers can become vital access points for fresh local foods while strengthening
communities and the local economy.
From Fields to Courtrooms: Ag Law Shifts in 2025 and Beyond: A 2025 agricultural and environmental law update with a 2026 outlook, covering recent state right-to-farm rulings, evolving PFAS litigation and regulation, and key legislative changes impacting agriculture.
On or before Oct. 13, registration for the event is $75. After Oct. 13, registration is $150. Registration for students is $25. Two continuing nutrient management education credits will be available to attendees in Maryland. Those with questions about the AELC may contact ALEI at 301-405-1271 or umaglaw@umd.edu.