Maryland Department of Agriculture Archives

Maryland permanently preserves 19 additional working farms

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved the permanent preservation of 19 additional working farms, totaling approximately 1,674 acres of farmland. The new easements (PDF), secured through the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation, will protect prime farmland and woodland in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Washington, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Charles, and Worcester counties. “By investing in the preservation […]

Rep. Andy Harris USDA Chesapeake Bay Catfish Program Announcement 202508

Rep. Andy Harris, USDA announce program to Chesapeake Bay of harmful catfish

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Maryland Rep. Andy Harris on Wednesday announced plans to make $6 million in grants available to help seafood processors expand their capacity to process invasive, wild-caught catfish. The funding, available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, is aimed at independent businesses that can build or modernize processing facilities, adopt new technology and […]

Governor Wes Moore Executive Order Maryland Farmers 202507

Governor Moore signs executive order to expand economic opportunities for Maryland farmers

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed an executive order to bolster the state’s agricultural sector, expanding an existing commission to improve economic opportunities for farmers through increased collaboration and more business-friendly practices. The executive order revises and expands the Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture, originally established in 2006. The commission’s aim is to enhance the economic viability, growth, and […]

Maryland Governor Wes Moore Environmental Justice Executive Order 202507

Governor Moore signs executive order to advance environmental justice

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order over the weekend aimed at unifying the state’s approach to promoting environmental justice and addressing pollution burdens in historically underserved communities. The “Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity” (VOICE) order is designed to foster a “whole-of-government” strategy, emphasizing meaningful engagement with communities disproportionately affected by environmental pollution. “Every Marylander deserves access […]

Baltimore County DEPS Midge Treatment Helicopter

Baltimore County to double next Back River midge treatment area due to unprecedented swarms

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

MIDDLE RIVER, MD—In response to the unprecedented populations of swarming midges along Baltimore County’s waterfront this season, the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) will modify the next helicopter treatment of Back River to double the treatment area to include the previous 1,200 acres of upper Back River plus 2,400 acres of lower Back River. Using this modified treatment […]

Maryland's Best 2025 Ice Cream Trail Kickoff

Maryland’s Best kicks-off 2025 Ice Cream Trail with new digital app

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Get ready to embark on a sweet adventure! Maryland’s Best, the state’s marketing program connecting consumers to local farmers, officially launched the 2025 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail last week week at Misty Meadows Farm Creamery in Washington County. The trail features 14 on-farm creameries across the state, offering a delightful taste of Maryland’s dairy industry. These creameries stretch […]

Maryland craft beverage industry eeceives $2 million boost

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland’s craft beverage industry is getting a boost from the state with the announcement of over $2 million in funding awards. Fifty-two applicants across the state will receive funding for expansions, promotions, and agricultural projects, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. “Maryland’s breweries, wineries and distilleries play a vital role in our state’s economic […]

Maryland launches native plants program

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in partnership with other organizations, has launched the Maryland Native Plants Program to encourage the use of native plants in the state. The program aims to educate consumers about the benefits of native plants and make it easier to find and purchase them. The program certifies nurseries through a voluntary application process, making it […]

Tag: Maryland Department of Agriculture