Maryland Department of Agriculture Welcomes New Staff Members

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 9, 2026)—Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks is pleased to announce the appointment of two new key staff members to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Allie Carter Cavanagh has been named MDA’s new Director of Legislative and Government Affairs. In this role, she will be responsible for all aspects of the department’s state, local and federal legislative activities, and actively represent MDA during the Maryland legislative session. 

Photo courtesy of Allie Cavanagh

Cavanagh previously served as a Policy Advisor to Maryland Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and as the Congresswoman’s Chief of Staff during her final two years in the Maryland Senate. Her policy areas covered agriculture, animal welfare, energy, environment, education, labor and health care. She was a fellow with the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in the Climate Crossroads Program from 2025-2026.

She holds a Master of Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Music from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Cavanagh served as a Program Manager for the Career & Technical Education Committee at the Maryland Department of Labor, is a former music educator and was nominated as Baltimore County Teacher of the Year in 2016-17.

Additionally, Rachel Felver has been appointed MDA’s new Director of Communications. In this role, she will lead communications efforts for the department, serve as the primary media point of contact, and support the communications needs of the Secretary and other senior agency officials.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Felver

Felver previously spent 10 years as the Communications Director for the regional Chesapeake Bay Program, where she was employed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. She holds a Masters in Environmental Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a professional certification in Sustainability & Behavior Change from the University of California at San Diego Extension. Felver also served on the Marketing Team at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and spent eight years in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most notably as the Director of Communications for the former Office of Environmental Information. 

“We are incredibly fortunate to add two leaders of this caliber to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and their arrival marks a major win for our state’s agricultural community,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “Allie’s impressive tenure navigating complex legislative environments and her deep background in policy make her uniquely equipped to champion our farmers at local, state and federal levels. Rachel’s decade of high-level communication leadership on critical regional issues like the Chesapeake Bay brings an immense asset to our team. Her unique ability to translate complex agency initiatives into meaningful, actionable public outreach will bridge the gap between the agency, the agricultural community and the public.Together, their deep professional expertise will directly translate into stronger advocacy, clearer communication and more robust support for Maryland’s farmers and producers as they work to feed our families and power our economy.”

For more information, please visit mda.maryland.gov. 

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June 30, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Share Your Thoughts on Seafood Marketing in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND (June 29, 2026)—The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites local seafood harvesters, processors, restaurants, distributors and other industry stakeholders to join them at upcoming public meetings to share their perspectives and insights on challenges and opportunities specific to marketing Maryland’s seafood industries. 

MDA, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and industry partners, is engaging stakeholders to identify barriers and opportunities related to seafood marketing across the state. Feedback gathered during these sessions will help inform strategies to strengthen seafood marketing efforts and promote locally harvested Maryland seafood. Findings and recommendations will be included in a formal report to be published in December 2026.

Attendees are welcome to attend one or both sessions, but we ask that you please register in advance. Each session will provide an overview of current seafood marketing initiatives in Maryland and offer participants the opportunity to help shape future marketing strategies. 

• Tuesday, August 18, 2026
• 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
• Maryland Department of Agriculture
• 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
• Annapolis, MD 21401

• Tuesday, August 25, 2026
• 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
• Eastern Shore Innovation Center
• 104 Tech Park Drive
• Cambridge, MD 21613

Please complete this registration form to attend. Registration for in-person attendance will close on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. 

Please contact MDA’s Chief of Marketing and Agricultural Development, Martin Proulx, at [email protected] with any questions. 

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June 29, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Additional Maryland Counties Eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 29, 2026)—On June 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for 43 primary natural disaster area counties and an additional 61 contiguous counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Because Maryland shares borders with several of the designated Virginia counties, five Maryland counties—Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Washington—are now also eligible for disaster assistance through this declaration as contiguous counties. 

The USDA issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Maryland on June 15 following a formal request for support submitted by Governor Wes Moore on May 27. Under this declaration Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington and Wicomico are listed as primary counties, while Allegany, Anne Arundel, Harford, Kent, Prince George’s, Talbot and Worcester are listed as contiguous. The Virginia disaster declaration now provides support to Charles County as well.

These Secretarial Disaster Declarations are in response to an early morning freeze that occurred on April 21, 2026 immediately following weeks of unseasonably warm weather that struck perennial crops coming out of winter dormancy. Extensive damage assessments monitored in coordination with the Maryland Farm Bureau confirmed that crop losses heavily exceeded the 30% threshold required for a federal declaration.

In addition to the freeze, Maryland has experienced prolonged drought conditions throughout much of 2026.  The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, published on June 25, shows the majority of Maryland counties remain under D2 (Severe Drought) and D3 (Extreme Drought) conditions.

The Secretarial Disaster Declaration unlocks low-interest emergency loans and credit extensions that can help cover production costs, protect jobs and refinance certain debts for eligible producers. Impacted farmers and growers should contact their local FSA office to review eligible disaster assistance programs and begin the application process.

Please visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website for the most up-to-date information.

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June 22, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Maryland Agencies to Treat Potomac River for Black Fly Control on June 24

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 22, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, will treat a targeted area of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to control black fly populations in the area. Treatment is scheduled to occur on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 between 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET.

A blue-and-gray Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter will apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based larvicide throughout the targeted area. The helicopter’s tail number is 651HA. Bti is a bacterial insecticide, not a chemical, that is naturally-occurring in soils. It is harmful to a limited variety of organisms, including midges, black flies, mosquito larvae and a few other species of aquatic insects.

The treatment may cause a temporary discoloration of the water but is harmless and will dissipate naturally. The treatment will not impact drinking water supplies, fish, crabs or other aquatic organisms outside the targeted insect groups. 

The Black Fly Program was established in 2016 in response to resident concerns in Washington County. Additional information about the program, including further details about Bti, is available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Black Fly Program website. 

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June 17, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Maryland Department of Agriculture Announces Sign-Up Dates for 2026 Cover Crop Grant

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 17, 2026)—The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is pleased to announce that sign-ups for the 2026 Cover Crop Grant Program will open on June 22 and run through July 17, 2026 at local soil conservation districts. This popular conservation program provides financial assistance to farmers that helps offset costs to plant fall cover crops. Cover crops help build healthy soils and protect the Chesapeake Bay from agricultural runoff. The budget for this year’s program is $22 million.

“Cover crops continue to be Maryland’s leading conservation practice because they deliver real results for our farmers, our waterways and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “The 2024-2025 planting season prevented an estimated 3.4 million pounds of nitrogen and 4,000 pounds of phosphorus from reaching Maryland waterways by capturing and recycling nutrients that support future crops. As we open this year’s enrollment period, we encourage farmers to continue this incredible progress by taking advantage of our conservation grants and investing in the long-term health of their land.” 

Cover crops planted in the fall provide benefits for both Maryland’s farmland and the Chesapeake Bay. As they grow, cover crops help prevent erosion, capture and recycle unused nutrients for future crops, and improve overall soil health. They also increase soil organic matter, reduce weed and pest pressure, and help protect fields from extreme weather conditions, including drought and heavy rainfall. By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing carbon in the soil, cover crops also play an important role in mitigating climate change.

MDA’s Cover Crop Program provides Maryland farmers with grants to plant a range of cold-hardy cereal grains and mixes. Fall cover crops can be planted following the harvest of  corn, soybeans, sorghum (sorghum/Sudan hybrids), tobacco, vegetables, hemp, sunflowers, sod or millet. While enrolled cover crops may not be harvested, once well-established, may be grazed or chopped for on-farm livestock forage. 

2026-2027 Program Highlights:

• The base payment is $35/acre.
• Farmers can earn up to $65/acre by taking advantage of additional incentives. 
• Non-poultry manure can be applied to cover crop fields in the fall for a reduced payment rate of $25 /acre. 
• To participate in this program, farmers must sign up to plant at least 10 acres of cover crops.

Farmers should visit their local soil conservation district between June 22 and July 17 to apply for our cover crop grants in-person. Growers who participated in last year’s program should check their mailboxes for an information packet. Additional information is also available on the MDA’s Cover Crop website.

The Cover Crop Program is administered by MDA’s Conservation Grants Program and the state’s 23 soil conservation districts. It is open to Maryland farmers who are in good standing with the Conservation Grants Program and in compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management requirements. A completed Current Nutrient Management Plan Certification form is required at sign-up. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Funding for the 2026-2027 Cover Crop Program is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.

In addition to our Traditional Cover Crop Program, we are pleased to announce the return of our Cover Crop Plus+ grants for innovative cover crop practitioners who commit to a three-year program. This updated program supports cover cropping scenarios that fall outside of traditional program support. If you’re interested in participating, please visit Cover Crop Plus+ website to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

June 15, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Maryland Department of Agriculture Launches New Grant Program to Boost Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 15, 2026)—The Maryland Department of Agriculture is excited to launch a new grant program designed to support the growth and development of urban farms and community gardens. This initiative aims to enhance community access to fresh, healthy produce grown using environmentally sustainable farming practices. 

“Urban farms and community gardens are transforming neighborhoods by bringing fresh, locally grown food directly to the communities they serve,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “This program invests in the innovation and dedication of urban growers, providing resources that meet their unique needs while expanding access to healthy, nutritious food for Marylanders — no matter where they live.” 

The Urban Agriculture Grant Program supports both urban farms and community gardens, whether they are startups or existing operations looking to expand. Our grants cover a variety of areas and needs, including:

• Capital Improvements—Funding for infrastructure such as refrigerated or dry storage, wash-and-pack stations, fencing, low tunnels and more. 
• Sustainable Practices—Adoption of safe, environmentally sustainable practices, including the creation of pollinator habitat, obtaining certification in the use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), installing composting units and nutrient management planning. 
• Innovative Farming Solutions—Investing in rooftop gardens and controlled environment agriculture.
• Education—Programs that focus on composting, soil health, and sustainable farming practices.
• Real Property—The purchase of real property in an urban area. (This option is capped at 20% of the grant award.) 
• Operating Expenses—Covers certain operating expenses. (Capped at 15% of the grant award)
  

The program invites grant applications from individual growers, organized for-profit agricultural businesses and non-profit organizations during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from June 15 through July 24, 2026. Please note that the maximum funding per application is $10,000. To ensure immediate cash flow for growers, grants will be paid using a tiered payment schedule without the need for reimbursement.

To qualify for these grants, applicants must produce a farm product that generates at least $1,000 in sales or donations annually. All grant recipients are required to comply with local, state and federal regulations, and obtain any necessary permits for their projects. Eligibility for this grant is limited to operations located in urban areas as defined by the United States Census Bureau. An interactive map link is available to help you determine if your property meets the location criteria. The Maryland General Assembly has approved up to $100,000 in annual funding for the Urban Agriculture Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2029.

A Q&A session will be offered June 25, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please contact Small Farm & Urban Agriculture Program Administrator Bill Tharpe at [email protected] or 410-980-6160. For additional information, please visit the Urban Agriculture Grants website.

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June 11, 2026

Maryland Department of Agriculture Announces Reduction in Electric Vehicle Charger Registration Fee

Electric vehicle supply equipment in Maryland must be registered by July 1, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 11, 2026)—The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is pleased to announce the fee for registering public electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in Maryland has been reduced from $150 to $75 per port. 

MDA’s Weights and Measures Program is responsible for consumer protection and ensuring equitable commercial transactions involving measurements and quantities. Under Maryland law, the program is required to follow the standards and requirements of the National Council on Weights and Measures and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44, which in recent years adopted standards for EVSE.  

As electric vehicle use continues to grow across Maryland, MDA has worked towards the establishment of EVSE standards into the existing Weights and Measures Program. In December 2025, MDA extended the deadline to register public EVSE chargers to July 1, 2026, allowing additional time for engagement with EV owners, businesses, industry representatives and local communities. Following those discussions, the department made the decision to reduce the registration fee for public EVSE chargers. 

“We’ve listened to the concerns, support and feedback shared by electric vehicle owners, local businesses and industry partners,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “Reducing the registration fee allows us to continue supporting a reliable and accurate electric vehicle charging network while easing the cost for Maryland residents and businesses.” 

EVSE chargers that are not available for public use—including chargers at private residences, workplaces, multifamily dwellings or those used exclusively for private fleets where commercial transactions do not occur—do not require registration.

The EVSE Registration webpage provides information on how to register EVSE chargers in Maryland, along with frequently asked questions and definitions to help clarify which chargers require registration. For additional questions, please contact the Weights and Measures Program at [email protected]. 

MDA’s Weights and Measures Program oversees the registration, inspection and testing of commercial weighing and measuring devices across the state to help ensure consumers receive the accurate quantity of the products and services they purchase. 

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June 2, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: This Summer, Eat Well. Buy Local.

Find Farms, Farmers Markets, Restaurants and Retailers Selling Local Products

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 2, 2026)—Maryland’s Best is kicking off summer with a new campaign, “Eat Well. Buy Local.” and the debut of an updated logo! This summer, before heading out to eat or gathering around the grill, Maryland residents and visitors are encouraged to visit MarylandsBest.net to find restaurants, retailers and farmers markets near you that serve locally grown and sourced products.

Maryland’s Best was established in 2002 under the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Department to support and promote small farms. Over the past 24 years, the program has expanded to include the marketing of seafood, value-added agriculture and agritourism businesses, representing about 1,000 members. While the logo has evolved over time, the  new 2026 version features bolder, brighter and more food-friendly colors to provide a more direct call to action—choose local. 

“Maryland’s Best is more than a logo — it’s a connection between consumers and the hardworking farmers and watermen who produce the food we enjoy every day,” said Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “This free marketing tool helps showcase the incredible diversity of Maryland agriculture and seafood, while making it easier than ever for consumers to buy local. We encourage everyone to visit the new website to find fresh products, on-farm experiences, summer favorite recipes and restaurants committed to serving Maryland-grown foods and drinks.” 

“Eat Well. Buy Local.” will be featured on billboards and digital advertisements, in movie theaters and EdibleDC, and at the state’s largest free concert series—WTMD’s First Thursday Festivals at Canton Waterfront in Baltimore. Consumers are invited to join in the fun by following Maryland’s Best on Facebook and Instagram while keeping an eye out for ways to win branded bumper stickers or yard signs declaring their support for local Maryland products. 

Whether it’s biting into a juicy burger, savoring that sweet Chesapeake Bay blue crab meat or indulging in a treat from the Ice Cream Trail, make sure it’s Maryland grown and raised! 

Farmers and watermen interested in joining Maryland’s Best are encouraged to sign up through the website. For more information about the campaign, or Maryland’s Best, please contact Director of Special Projects Kristin Hanna at [email protected]. 

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June 1, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE: Online Application for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Now Open

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 1, 2026)—The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is pleased to announce that the online application for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is now open! Interested participants can access the online application through a link on MDA’s homepage.

All applicants must submit a new application for the 2026 season, including returning participants. Applicants will be notified within 15 days of submitting their application whether they have been approved to receive benefits. The application period will remain open until all benefits have been distributed. 

In 2026, all recipients will receive a new benefit card containing an embedded QR code that can be used to purchase eligible items at participating farmers markets or farms. Once issued, participants may keep and reuse the card in future years if they continue to qualify for the program.  

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is open to limited income adults aged 60 or older. Eligibility is based on household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Depending on the local jurisdiction in which applicants reside, they will either receive their card by mail or be required to pick it up at a location designated by their local Area Agency on Aging. Eligible applicants who require assistance in completing their online application are encouraged to contact their local Area Agency on Agency.

Income Eligibility Guidelines (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers a one-time annual benefit of $35 that recipients can use between June and November 2026 to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey directly from producers at farmers markets and farm stands across Maryland. 

Currently, more than 200 farms and 100 farmers markets across the state (with at least one accepting producer) accept benefits from the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. To find participating locations, visit the Farmers Market Directory, which highlights the respective nutrition benefits that are accepted at each market. 

In addition, over 60 farmers markets and farm stands across the state participate in the Maryland Market Money program. Shoppers using federal nutrition benefits, including the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, at participating locations can expand their purchasing power through a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20 per market visit. When attending a participating market, shoppers should stop by the Information Booth to learn how nutrition benefits matching works at that location.

Please reach out to Director of Farmers Markets and Food Access, Sara Servin at [email protected] with any questions. 

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May 28, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE: Deadline for Maryland Department of Agriculture Cover Crop Termination Extended to June 5

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 28, 2026)—-The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is extending the cover crop termination deadline until June 5, 2026, for farmers enrolled in the 2025-2026 Cover Crop Program due to multiple days of rainfall that have caused excessively wet field conditions across much of the state. The original deadline for terminating fall-planted cover crops was June 1, 2026.

Cover crops planted in the fall provide important benefits for both  the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland farmland.  They help recycle unused nutrients from the previous summer crop while improving the soil health ahead of spring planting. Throughout the winter, cover crops help to prevent erosion, suppress weeds and pests, add organic matter to the soil, and protect fields from drought and heavy rainfall. Cover crops are typically terminated between March 1 and June 1 to help ensure summer cash crops have adequate access to water and nutrients. 

The Cover Crop Program is administered by MDA’s Conservation Grants Program in partnership with Maryland’s 23 soil conservation districts. It is open to Maryland farmers who are in good standing with the program and in compliance with the state’s nutrient management requirements. Farmers must submit a completed Current Nutrient Management Plan Certification at sign-up. Additional restrictions and conditions may apply. 

Funding for the 2025-2026 Cover Crop Program is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.

For more information, farmers should contact their local soil conservation district or visit the department’s website.

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