NEWS RELEASE: Maryland’s Best Celebrates Native Plant Month

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 22, 2026) –  In celebration of Earth Day, the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland’s Best is proud to join other states across the country in declaring May Native Plant Month. This designation celebrates the essential role that native plants play in supporting healthy ecosystems, resilient landscapes and vibrant local biodiversity.

Maryland’s Native Plant Month shines a spotlight on the trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers that have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in our state. These plants form the backbone of regional ecosystems—providing food and habitat for pollinators, birds and wildlife; improving soil health; reducing erosion; and restoring water quality. Deep-rooted native plants act as Maryland’s natural water filtration system, while stabilizing our shorelines and capturing runoff to ensure the clean water necessary to support the Chesapeake Bay watershed and our world famous seafood industry.

“Native plants play a vital role in the health of our ecosystem,” says Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “We are encouraging consumers, landscapers, city planners and more to visit our certified nurseries and learn why planting natives is better for the environment.”

Whether you have a large property or only space for an outdoor container, you can choose native plants to help our wildlife. Native plants also require less water, fewer chemicals and not as much maintenance than many non-native species, making them a smart choice for homeowners and municipalities alike. To learn more about locally native plants, visit the University of Maryland Extension’s Native Plant Guide for the Piedmont Region or visit one of Maryland’s local nurseries. Maryland’s Best Native Plant Program has 35 certified nurseries that specialize in native plants and are a great place to get started and receive expert advice.

Throughout May, organizations around the state will host events and educational programs designed for residents to incorporate native plants into their own landscapes. Activities include:

• Community Workshops on selecting and caring for native species.

• Guided Nature Walks highlighting local flora and pollinator habitats.

• Native Plant Giveaways or Sales in partnership with local nurseries.

• Volunteer Planting Days to restore natural areas and improve community green spaces

For information on local events, visit the Maryland Native Plant Coalition on Substack.

Native plants also provide critically important habitat for our native bees, who are often overlooked but essential to our $3 billion agriculture industry. Bees pollinate 71 of the top 100 human food crops and are crucial for food production.  Even “wind-pollinated” staples like corn and soybeans see higher yields when native bees are present..

Many native bees, birds and other wildlife are in decline, largely due to habitat loss.The good news is that everyone can help pitch in to help solve this issue. According to nationally known author Doug Tallamy, “when gardeners use native plants, they can have beautiful landscapes—and play a vital role in protecting biodiversity.”

For more information about native plants, visit the University of Maryland Extension Native Plant Program. For more on Maryland’s Best, please visit our website or contact Director of Special Projects Kristin Hanna at the Maryland Department of Agriculture at [email protected].

Help support our wildlife, local food production and the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland’s Best encourages you to plant some beautiful native plants and enjoy the wildlife!

April 17, 2026

USDA Designates Nine Maryland Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Following Severe Drought

USDA Designates Nine Maryland Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Following Severe Drought

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 17, 2026) – Due to ongoing dry conditions during the growing season, nine counties in Maryland have received drought disaster designations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farmers in the primary designated counties of Allegany, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Washington are now eligible for certain assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

This drought disaster assistance includes FSA emergency loans. Provided that eligibility requirements are met, the FSA will assess each emergency loan application individually to consider specific circumstances and needs. Farmers in eligible localities have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for these emergency loans.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season ranging from severe for eight or more weeks to extreme or exceptional.

For more information on available assistance programs and the application process, please visit the Maryland FSA State Office website at www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Maryland

April 13, 2026

Maryland Department of Agriculture Joins Ground-Breaking of New Grain Transloading Facility at Port of Baltimore

Maryland Department of Agriculture Joins Ground-Breaking of New Grain Transloading Facility at Port of Baltimore

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 10, 2026) — The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore today hosted a groundbreaking for a new grain transloading facility at the Seagirt Marine Terminal.  Under a partnership agreement between Ports America Chesapeake and Frey Commodities, the new facility will make it easier for Maryland farmers to get their products to the Port for export worldwide.  The facility will encompass four acres, include three grain silos, and be used to facilitate the export of soybeans, corn, wheat, and other agricultural commodities around the world.  The facility is expected to be open and operational in August 2026.  

“This new partnership with Frey adds transloading capabilities at the Port of Baltimore and creates a more efficient, streamlined supply chain for farmers while strengthening the region’s competitive position,” said Mark Schmidt, president of Ports America Chesapeake. “Direct delivery to Seagirt reduces complexity and cost for producers and allows the Port to expand agricultural exports.” 

Currently, there is no direct transloading facility at the Port of Baltimore to move grain and soybeans from trucks into containers for export shipping operations. Farmers currently need to place their grain into empty shipping containers located offsite, which are then picked up and brought into the Port. 

Under the new system, a farm truck will come directly into the Seagirt terminal, deposit its grain onto a conveyor system, which will transport it directly into a silo.  Ports America Chesapeake will then remove the grain from the silo when it’s ready to ship and place it into containers for export operations.   

“This is a significant achievement for Maryland farming, agricultural logistics, and the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Deputy Transportation Secretary Samantha Biddle. “Thanks to the unique partnership between Ports America Chesapeake and Frey, we will soon have a much more efficient, as well as cleaner and greener, way of moving different Maryland produced grains into international markets.” 

“As the nation’s top port in the country for handling farm machinery, farms across the nation have long depended on the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels.  “This new transloading facility will be another way that our Port separates from the pack in being the best agricultural port in the U.S.”

Container transloading directly at the Port of Baltimore eliminates the current process of traditional offsite loading and additional truck transfers.  This will enable the project to also be more environmentally beneficial by reducing offsite loading emissions.  It will also significantly reduce truck miles, lower transportation costs and streamline the supply chain for regional producers.

“This project will be a major win for grain producers in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania by providing a more efficient supply-chain model that connects them to growing overseas demand,” said Mike Adamchak, chief commercial officer at Frey. “It also strengthens our ability to connect producers across North America with global markets.”

“Maryland agriculture benefits significantly from expanded export opportunities, and this new transloading facility is a critical step in connecting our grain and soybean producers with the global marketplace,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “By streamlining the supply chain and providing direct access to the Port of Baltimore, we are reducing costs for our farm families and ensuring they remain competitive. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to creating more efficient, resilient pathways that support the long-term economic growth of Maryland’s agricultural industry.

“This new facility will help strengthen Maryland’s economy by lowering the cost of doing business for agricultural producers in our state and the region,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “This will also help draw more business to Maryland as more suppliers from across the country see the Port of Baltimore as the ideal gateway to get their products to the global market.”

Once operational, the facility will function as a full-service grain elevator with the capacity to load more than 200 containers per week. The three silos will have a combined capacity of 60,000 bushels and support inbound shipments from both truck and rail.  

Short line rail access to CSX and Norfolk Southern will enhance connectivity for Midwest producers, providing a more direct and efficient export route to markets through the Port of Baltimore.

High resolution images and project renderings are available here.

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April 9, 2026

Renewed Agreement Between Maryland Department of Agriculture, EPA Supports Farmers, Environmental Stewardship

Renewed Agreement Between Maryland Department of Agriculture, EPA Supports Farmers, Environmental Stewardship

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 09, 2026)—At an event held at the Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Park in Prince George’s County Maryland, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region. This action renews the original MOU first signed in 2020, continuing to strengthen relationships and collaborative activities that support Maryland’s farmers and natural resources. 

In particular, this MOU amplifies both agencies’ commitment to carrying out expanded communications, education, outreach, regulatory and compliance programs, funding and training of agricultural practices that benefit the environment. 

“Every day, I see the commitment Maryland’s farmers bring to environmental stewardship, whether it’s ensuring our soils are healthy to implementing conservation practices to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “This renewed partnership with EPA strengthens our commitment to the agricultural community by providing the tools and collaboration to support productive farms and a sustainable environment.” 

The MOU outlines the following collaborative goals and activities:

• Enhanced communication and collaboration through regular meetings to align priorities and share updates, with continued support of the Chesapeake Bay Program Agricultural Advisory Committee.

• Promote educational opportunities through engagement with Maryland’s agricultural community through roundtables, farm tours and EPA’s participation in events to expand dialogue and collaboration.

• Recognize the actions and environmental stewardship of Maryland farms while developing measurement approaches that account for conservation efforts and promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. 

• Amplify funding opportunities that showcase conservation efforts and innovative approaches that strengthen environmental stewardship and resilience. 

• Coordinate regulatory program implementation through joint trainings, improving water quality efforts, strengthening collaboration among EPA, MDA and the Maryland Department of the Environment to further program compliance and participation, and increased engagement with EPA when communicating with Maryland’s farmers. 

“Across Maryland, farmers are proving that strong bottom lines and healthy farms can grow together—and we’re proud to stand with them,” said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “With this agreement, EPA and MDA are speeding access to tools and support that build soil health, boost efficiency, safeguard streams and the Chesapeake Bay, and bolster urban and rural communities alike.”

This MOU will remain in effect until 2031. 

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April 1, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Protect Local Streams that Feed our Chesapeake Bay

Protect Local Streams that Feed our Chesapeake Bay

Follow Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 1, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding residents and lawn care professionals to follow Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law when caring for lawns this spring. This law is designed to protect local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay from fertilizer runoff originating from non-agricultural sources. These include golf courses, parks, recreational areas, athletic fields, businesses, and hundreds of thousands of home lawns. 

“Fertilizer products provide nutrients for healthy grass, but overusing them can harm local streams and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “By following Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, residents and lawn care professionals can maintain healthy lawns and cleaner, healthier waterways.” 

If you hire a lawn care professional to fertilize your lawn, be sure they are certified by the department’s Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program or work under the supervision of a certified professional. The department’s website has an up-to-date list of certified lawn care professionals. These individuals have been trained and tested in sound application techniques and Bay-friendly fertilizer practices.

If you care for your own lawn, watch our video. Here are some highlights: 

• Skip the spring fertilizer, especially if your lawn is healthy. Fall is the best time to fertilize cool-season grasses like fescues and Kentucky bluegrass.
• Sharpen lawnmower blades to avoid tearing and weakening the grass.
• Mow the grass high to shade out weeds and conserve moisture. Three inches is an ideal height for most lawns.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn. They provide free fertilizer all season long.

If you decide to fertilize your lawn:

• Test your soil to see if your grass will benefit from additional nutrients or lime. The University of Maryland Extension has information on soil testing. 
• Read and follow the directions on the fertilizer bag.
• Follow the University of Maryland Extension’s lawn fertilizer schedule. 
• Do not apply phosphorus (indicated by the middle number on the fertilizer bag) to lawns unless a soil test shows it is needed. 
• If fertilizer lands on sidewalks or driveways, sweep it back onto the grass or clean it up. 
• Keep fertilizer applications 10 to 15 feet away from waterways.
• Do not apply fertilizer if heavy rain is predicted.
• Obey fertilizer blackout dates: November 16 to March 1.

Additional information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law and fertilizer best management practices is available on the department’s website. You can also visit the University of Maryland Extension website for lawn fertilizer recommendations and additional tips.

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March 25, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Maryland Department of Agriculture Announces Next Steps to Address Rural Veterinary Shortage

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 25, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced the release of recommendations developed in partnership with the Farm Journal Foundation to address the shortage of rural and food-systems veterinarians across the state.

The recommendations build on a statewide assessment and outline immediate next steps focused on engagement, data, and long-term workforce development.

The report highlights several key findings, including gaps in data on the current veterinary workforce, underutilization of available federal funding programs, and the need to better understand demand, particularly among small and growing farm operations.

Immediate Next Steps

MDA will focus on two near-term priorities:

• Statewide Engagement and Communication – The Department will share the assessment findings broadly across the veterinary, education, and agricultural communities and ensure stakeholders are engaged in shaping next steps.
  

• Summit and Solutions Development – MDA will host a statewide summit to bring together veterinarians, educators, and agricultural leaders to review findings, identify challenges, and begin developing solutions. The summit will serve as a launching point for a coordinated, collaborative effort to strengthen Maryland’s rural veterinary workforce.

“This report gives us a clear path forward,” said Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Now, it’s about bringing the right partners together and turning these recommendations into action to build a stronger, more sustainable veterinary workforce.”

“Rural veterinarians are essential to protecting animal health, supporting our farmers, and safeguarding the food supply,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Trout. “These recommendations reflect what we’re seeing on the ground and create an opportunity to better connect veterinarians with the communities that need them most.”

Following the summit, MDA will establish a working group made up of key stakeholders across the veterinary, agricultural, and education sectors. This group will be charged with developing practical, actionable solutions to improve recruitment, retention, and long-term sustainability of rural veterinary services.

March 23, 2026

Maryland’s Best Seeks Ice Cream Locations for 2026 Ice Cream Trail

Maryland’s Best Seeks Ice Cream Locations for 2026 Ice Cream Trail

Applications Due by April 10, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 23, 2026) – Maryland’s Best, Maryland’s state-wide marketing program connecting consumers to producers, is seeking Maryland ice cream locations with on-farm creameries or locally-sourced milk to join the 2026 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail. The Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail supports Maryland dairy farmers by highlighting locations that are on-farm or are using locally-sourced milk for their product, which supports the overall dairy industry. Consumers are encouraged to download a free digital pass to track their adventures and be entered to win the ultimate prize of “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trailblazer Champion”. 

“The Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail is expanding its definition to encourage more of our local ice cream shops to utilize local milk in their products,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “We encourage all Marylanders and visitors to check out the trail, visit the on-farm creameries, and support the ice cream shops that support Maryland farmers.” 

Farm and business participation eligibility has expanded to include the following:

1. Creameries that are on an existing Maryland farm and use milk they produce on-farm; or

2. Creameries that are on an existing Maryland farm and use an ice cream mix from a milk processor that benefits Maryland dairy farms; or

3. Non-farm creamery locations that use an ice cream mix from a milk processor that benefits Maryland dairy farms.

Those interested in joining this year’s Ice Cream Trail should fill out this form and be prepared to submit invoices proving proof of purchase from a local processor that benefits Maryland dairy farms by April 10 at 5:00 pm. 

Additionally, dairy farms that sell other products are encouraged to participate in state-wide dairy promotions this summer. Any dairy farm in Maryland that is making a value-added product, such as cheese, yogurt, or milk, can apply to be highlighted by the program during upcoming promotions. Applications are also due by April 10 at 5:00 pm.

Questions? Potential participants may reach out to Maryland’s Best Director of Special Projects, Kristin Hanna, at [email protected] or visit Maryland’s Best.net. 

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March 19, 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY: Secretary Kevin Atticks to Kick-Off Chesapeake Oyster Week at Guinness Open Gate Brewery 

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Kevin Atticks to Kick-Off Chesapeake Oyster Week at Guinness Open Gate Brewery 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 19, 2026) – Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz, and Oyster Recovery Partnership Executive Director Ward Slacum will kick off the 2026 Chesapeake Oyster Week on Friday, March 20, at 4:00 PM at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, located in Baltimore, Maryland. Chesapeake Oyster Week officially begins on March 20th, running through March 31, and will feature over 60 restaurants throughout the region. Restaurants are offering deals and specials throughout the 11-day event, allowing consumers many ways to try the many varieties of Maryland oysters! Guinness will provide everyone in the tent with a complimentary oyster to take part in an “oyster toast” led by the Secretaries on stage.

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Who:             Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks

                         Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz

                         Ward Slacum, Executive Director, Oyster Recovery Partnership

                         Brendan W. Henne, Operations, Guinness Open Gate Breweries

What:           2026 Chesapeake Oyster Week Kick Off 

                        The program will include brief remarks, the Governor’s Proclamation, and a symbolic “popping of the oyster shell.”

When:           Friday, March 20th, 2026, 4:00 PM

Where:          Guinness Open Gate Brewery

                           5001 Washington Blvd

                          Halethorpe, MD 21227

NOTE:            Media interested in attending should RSVP to Maryland’s Seafood Marketing Director Matthew Scales at [email protected] or 443-510-0937.

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March 17, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Maryland’s Small Acreage Cover Crop Program Now Accepting Applications 

Maryland’s Small Acreage Cover Crop Program Now Accepting Applications 

Grants Available for Small Farms and Urban Growers Who Plant Less Than 10 Acres 

Annapolis, MD -(March 17, 2026) —The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced that the sign-up period for its Small Acreage Cover Crop Program runs March 16 through April 24, 2026. This program provides grants to help small farms and urban growers plant cover crops on their production areas to build healthy soils, improve crop yields, protect local water quality, improve climate resilience, and provide other environmental benefits.

This program is for urban and small-scale producers who do not qualify for the traditional cover crop program. Operations that plant less than ten (10) acres of qualifying cover crops—including cereal grains or cover crop seed mixes—are encouraged to apply for our grants. Financial assistance for this program is capped at $1,500 per grower, per year. 

“Locally grown food provides both environmental and health benefits for communities,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Our small-scale and urban farmers recognize the value of cover crops for enhancing soil health. For a third year, we’re excited to offer cover crop grants to these vital producers and encourage them to apply early,” he added.

Urban and small-scale producers may download grant applications from MDA’s website. Applications must be postmarked by April 24, 2026, for consideration in this year’s program. Here are the program highlights: 

• The maximum payment per grower is $1,500 per year.
• Reimbursement covers the cost of seed (including shipping), labor (capped at $15 per hour), custom services, and equipment rental fees.
• Growers will be reimbursed based on paid receipts. 
• Eligible species include single cereal grains or cover crop seed mixes. 
• Cover crops may be planted in open plots/fields, raised beds, or a high tunnel.
• Growers should follow cover crop planting recommendations made by the seed manufacturer or the University of Maryland Extension for eligible species. 

The Small Acreage Cover Crop Program is funded by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and managed by the department’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program. Growers who want to apply for these small-acreage cover crop grants should contact Bill Tharpe, Program Administrator for the Small Farm & Urban Agriculture Program at [email protected] or 410-841-5869. For additional information, please visit the website.

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