§ 8-1009. Program to certify verifiers.

   (a) In general. -- The Department, in coordination with the Department of the Environment, shall:

   (1) Establish a program to certify a person to verify whether an agricultural operation meets and is in compliance with the requirements of this subtitle;

   (2) Maintain a list of all certified verifiers; and

   (3) Publish the list of all certified verifiers on the Department's Web site.

(b) Training; restrictions on verifiers. --

   (1) The certification program shall provide verifiers with the training and education necessary to determine whether an agricultural operation is in compliance with the Program.

   (2) A certified verifier may not verify an agricultural operation:

      (i) In which the certified verifier holds an interest, as defined by regulation; or

      (ii) That the certified verifier initially determined had met the requirements under § 8-1004 of this subtitle.

(c) Powers of Department in establishing certification program. -- In establishing the certification program, the Department may:

   (1) Charge reasonable fees, including an annual certification fee, to cover the costs associated with the certification program;

   (2) Require continuing education or training for verifiers;

   (3) Designate an entity to train, certify, and recertify verifiers; and

   (4) Recognize the training program of an entity employing verifiers if the program meets the certification and recertification training and education standards established by the Department.

HISTORY: 2013, ch. 339.