“Legal Requirements: In Maryland, if your agricultural gross income reaches $2,500, you are legally required to file a formal Nutrient Management Plan to protect the local watershed.”

But if you farm the same acre and donate the food to churches and food banks the plan isn’t necessary.

Is it really about protection?

I think that someone figures if you are not trying to push the land for every dime of profit you are very low risk to the watershed.

that is my take on it , also hobby gardeners and backyard chicken folks will turn out to a meeting in violent opposition to a new ordinance , form, anything

How are they counting the thousands of acres sprayed by lawn services?