Project #3: Analysis of Right-to-Farm Laws in Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Operations

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Mid-Atlantic agricultural operations face different pressures, from environmental concerns to nuisance concerns. This proposed project will investigate existing state right-to-farm laws in the Mid-Atlantic region and work with faculty to develop resources to better explain these laws to agricultural operations and county and state officials. At the same time, the UM Scholar would review case law to identify potential issues concerning right-to-farm disputes nationally. Potential outcomes would include policy briefs and resources to enhance training for officials in planning departments, enabling them to better handle agricultural disputes in the region. The UM Scholar will work with an undergraduate student interested in grad school by researching these existing laws.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

This project involves collaborating with and attending virtual meetings with agricultural economists, Extension faculty, and other experts with backgrounds in agriculture and the environment.  The project includes trips to agricultural operations to understand their common agricultural law issues.  Working on this project will also allow for the UM Scholar’s future inclusion as an author on conference presentations, journal articles, and Extension publications developed from the research.

 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

This project is ideal for students with a background or interest in agriculture, natural resource, or environmental law.

 

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

Students may come from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

 

PROJECT LOCATION

This project will be conducted in a hybrid format – Remote and in-person at UMCP.

 

PROJECT LEAD/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Paul Goeringer, JD, LLM, MS
Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Legal Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of Maryland, College Park

 

BIO: Paul Goeringer

EMAIL: lgoering@umd.edu

More than one student will be considered for this project.

 

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

• 10 weeks/400-hour student research project conducted with schedule mutually defined and agreed upon by the student and mentor.
• The project is funded by the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State (MPower) and is a part of the UM Scholars program.
• The selected student will receive a stipend for their work, to be paid in multiple installments over the 10 weeks.
  • $5,500 for undergraduate students
  • $6,500 for graduate students
• Work is expected to occur during typical business hours; Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
• To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in the Fall 2026 semester.
• Traveling to and from UMCP, as well as parking, is the responsibility of the student and costs are included in the stipend.