Indiana Administrative Code Title 375 - INDIANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

📌 Title 375 – Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA)

This Title contains the administrative rules of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
The ISDA is the state agency that supports and regulates Indiana’s agricultural sector. Its rules are designed to protect natural resources, support farm operations, promote agribusiness, and ensure that agricultural practices align with state policy.

🔑 Major Areas Covered in Title 375

1. Organization & Authority

Establishes the role and powers of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Defines how the department interacts with other state agencies, such as environmental management and economic development.

Provides rules for program administration, record-keeping, and compliance oversight.

2. Soil and Water Conservation Programs

Rules for local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs).

Standards for preventing soil erosion and managing water resources.

Cost-sharing programs for farmers adopting conservation practices.

3. Agricultural Resources & Environmental Management

Rules for best management practices (BMPs) in farming.

Oversight of livestock operations, nutrient management, and land use.

Policies promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability in agriculture.

4. Farmland Preservation & Development Programs

Programs to preserve prime farmland from urban sprawl.

Guidelines for voluntary agricultural conservation easements.

State-level initiatives supporting rural development and farm succession planning.

5. Bioenergy & Renewable Agriculture

Standards and incentives for biofuels, renewable energy crops, and biomass use.

Rules supporting Indiana’s efforts to expand alternative fuel production (ethanol, biodiesel).

6. Marketing & Economic Development

Programs that promote Indiana agricultural products domestically and internationally.

Branding initiatives (e.g., “Indiana Grown” labeling).

Support for farmers’ markets, local food systems, and export promotion.

7. Youth & Agricultural Education

Oversight of programs for 4-H, FFA, and agricultural youth leadership.

Educational outreach for schools and community groups about agriculture.

8. Grants, Loans, and Incentives

Rules for state funding programs that help farmers modernize or adopt new technologies.

Loan guarantees, cost-sharing, and grants for conservation, renewable energy, or business development.

9. Reporting & Compliance

Requirements for agricultural producers or organizations receiving state assistance.

Audit, record-keeping, and penalties for non-compliance.

Appeals process if disputes arise.

🎯 Purpose of Title 375

The core mission of these rules is to:

Support Indiana’s farmers and agribusinesses.

Promote sustainable, profitable, and competitive agriculture.

Protect soil, water, and farmland for future generations.

Strengthen rural communities through economic growth and education.

âś… In short:
Indiana Administrative Code Title 375 lays out the rules and programs of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, covering conservation, farmland preservation, environmental stewardship, renewable energy, marketing, financial assistance, and agricultural education.

LEAVE A COMMENT

0 comments