The proposed project would be used to run a needs assessment related to estate and succession planning for Maryland agricultural producers. This needs assessment would allow the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC), the University of Maryland Extension (UME), and the Agricultural Law Education Initiative (ALEI) to develop better outreach and educational resources that meet the needs of Maryland agriculture.
Surveys done during the UME Winter Agronomy Meetings have highlighted that succession and estate planning needs are often in the top 3 legal issues impacting agricultural operations in the state. This proposed project would cover a portion of the costs of students to assist with the data management and data analysis that will be required with a comprehensive needs assessment in a programmatic area.