Agriculture Archives

USDA Designates Drought Disaster Zones Across MD — Support Available

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated several Maryland counties as natural disaster areas due to prolonged drought conditions, unlocking emergency assistance for local farmers. Washington, Frederick, and Harford counties received primary disaster designations, making farms in those jurisdictions directly eligible for USDA’s emergency loan programs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Additionally, the USDA extended eligibility to adjacent counties, including Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Howard, Kent, and Montgomery. This designation provides a critical…

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June 18, 2025

Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / Environment / Tourism

Carroll County Launches Agritourism Passport Program

Carroll County Economic Development has launched the 2025 Carroll County Agritourism Passport Program! This inaugural passport program is a guide to discovering the best of Carroll County’s agritourism — from local farms and fresh foods to unforgettable seasonal experiences. The program is intended for residents, visitors, children, adults, individuals, or families. The passport encourages exploration, supports local farms, and showcases the region's rich agricultural heritage. There are over 20 participating sites across the county. From…

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June 13, 2025

Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / Environment / News You Can Use

St Mary’s New Initiative Showcases Local Agriculture, Seafood, and Forestry Products

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have announced the continued implementation of the Department of Economic Development’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy with the launch of the St. Mary’s County Agriculture and Seafood Brand—a new initiative to showcase and promote locally produced agriculture, seafood, and forestry products. “This brand is more than just a logo—it’s a promise of authenticity and a celebration of our local businesses,” said Chris Kaselemis, Director of the Department of Economic Development.…

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June 12, 2025

Agriculture / Energy / Environment / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

Counties Urge Balancing Energy and Conservation

On February 13, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 34 – Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity – Overhead Transmission Lines – Conservation Easements. This bill places additional considerations and requirements for transmission lines seeking to go on areas under a conservation easement. The 2025 Maryland General Assembly is facing a historic number of complex generational challenges. One of the loudest issues…

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February 18, 2025

Agriculture / Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning

Counties Seek Balance on Solar Policy, Propose Collaborative Solutions

MACo President Jack Wilson underlines MACo's opposition to HB1036/SB931, citing concerns and offering a path forward. In a letter to Senator Brian Feldman, Chair of the Senate Education, Energy & Environment Committee, and Delegate CT Wilson, Chair of the House Economic Matters Committee, MACo President Jack Wilson and First Vice President MC Keegan-Ayer underline county opposition to HB1036/SB931 and offer potential pathways forward. Since the fall of 2023, MACo has been engaged with the administration,…

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February 17, 2025

Agriculture / Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works

Legislative Leadership Launches Major Energy “Package” on Rates, Transmission, and Siting

This week, the Senate President and House Speaker joined with multiple co-sponsors and supporters to announce multiple bills, targeting multifold concerns with the energy landscape in Maryland. Three bills have since been introduced: focusing on generation and capacity, transmission and delivery, and clean energy siting. Anticipate much attention on these topics in the weeks ahead. Energy has grabbed the spotlight in Annapolis. Ratepayer and resident concerns over rising electric bills, a tumultuous roll-out of a…

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February 6, 2025

Agriculture / Courts / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Emergency Management / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Safety and Corrections / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works

Federal Funding Freeze – NACo Webinar Tomorrow (Jan 29)

President Trump has announced a "freeze" on a very wide range of federal grant and loan funding. This has potentially major effects on the operation of county-level facilities and services nationwide. Specifics are not yet clear. However, the National Association of Counties (NACo) will take up this topic and other federal-relations matters on tomorrow's "First 100 Days" Zoom Webinar. The President's order, nominally effective at close-of-business today (January 28), has cast a stunning pause on…

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January 28, 2025

Agriculture / County News / Health and Human Services / Winter Conference

Agritourism on the Rise: Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Farm Venues

As agritourism transforms farms into hubs for entertainment and education, legal and compliance questions remain. Agritourism is evolving as farms increasingly diversify their offerings to include entertainment and educational activities to boost income while preserving rural character. However, legal definitions and tax considerations are being examined as agritourism expands beyond traditional activities like hayrides and petting zoos to include weddings, concerts, and other ventures that blur the line between agriculture and commercial use. Experts discussed…

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November 18, 2024

Agriculture / Environment

USDA Opens $7.7B to Support Climate-Smart Practices on Agricultural Lands

Earlier this month, the USDA announced up to $7.7 billion is available to help agricultural and forestry producers adopt conservation practices on working lands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced up to $7.7 billion in assistance for fiscal year 2025 to help agricultural and forestry producers adopt conservation practices on working lands. This includes up to $5.7 billion for climate-smart practices, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, and $2 billion in Farm…

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October 16, 2024

Agriculture / Environment

Sept 23 Hughes Center Hosts Riparian Buffers Research Webinar

On September 3rd, the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology is hosting a webinar on riparian buffers research. Join the Hughs Center for Agro-Ecology for a webinar at noon on Monday, Sept. 23, when environmental and resource economist Dr. David Newburn of the University of Marland (UMD) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will review his Hughes Center-funded research project, “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Economic Incentives to Enhance Riparian Buffer Adoption and Environmental Benefits for Water Quality and…

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September 17, 2024