Newsroom
Welcome to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) online Newsroom. We are dedicated to communicating with industry and consumers. We encourage you to visit the Newsroom for all the latest information about MDA including news releases, news features, images, videos and more.
Press Releases
- NEWS RELEASE: Governor Moore Secures the Future of Maryland’s Horse Industry Board Through 2036
- NEWS TO KNOW: Maryland Department of Agriculture Statement Impact of Late Spring Frost on Crops
- NEWS RELEASE: Maryland’s Best Celebrates Native Plant Month
- USDA Designates Nine Maryland Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Following Severe Drought
Meeting Notices
- Maryland Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission Meeting Notice
- Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Board of Trustees Meeting
- State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Notice
- Maryland Agricultural Commission Meeting Notice
MDA Blog
- NEWS TO KNOW: Maryland Department of Agriculture Statement Impact of Late Spring Frost on Crops
- Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Queen Anne’s County
- MDA Honors Third Quarter Employee
- Maryland Department of Agriculture Honors Employees with Long Service Awards
Newsroom
February 19, 2026
State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Notice
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The State Soil Conservation Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. – noon. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality programs.
For those interested in attending, please contact Loretta Collins, Executive Secretary for the State Soil Conservation Committee, at [email protected] for call-in information. Established in 1938, the State Soil Conservation Committee coordinates the activities of Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts, while advising the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to soil and water conservation.
NEWS RELEASE: Caroline County Control Area Released
Caroline County Control Area Released
HPAI SITUATION UPDATE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February, 19, 2026) -The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the release of the control area within Caroline County, MD. The previously infected premise remains under quarantine, but all other farms in the former control area, provided they are not located within another active control area, are no longer subject to movement or placement restrictions and are no longer required to conduct enhanced surveillance testing specific to the control area.
Routine HPAI surveillance continues statewide. Farms that placed birds before the release of the control area are still required to complete biosecurity audits if those audits have not already been completed.
There is 1 active control area on the Delmarva in Wicomico County. Therefore, it is important to maintain strong, consistent biosecurity practices.
What Does it Take to Release a Control Area?
The following conditions must be met to release a Control Area:
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The infected flock has been depopulated, and the compost piles must be capped.
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Initial virus elimination must be completed for the infected premises.
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Required surveillance testing for commercial and backyard flocks must be completed. Routine surveillance will continue throughout the state. Even though these control areas have been released, any farm in a control area that did not complete a biosecurity audit and had chicks placed before the control area was closed will still need to do so.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. The virus can be spread from flock to flock, including flocks of wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, equipment, and the clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, and some wild bird species, such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.
If You Have Sick Poultry Or Experience Increased Mortality
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Commercial poultry producers should notify the company they grow for when they notice signs of disease.
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Backyard flock owners who notice any signs of HPAI in their flock should not take dead or sick birds to a lab to be tested or move them off-site. To report any unusual or sudden increases to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810.
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February 14, 2026
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wicomico County
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
in Wicomico County
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 14, 2026)— The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 Avian Influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Wicomico County. This is the first case of highly pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Wicomico County this year and the second case in Maryland in 2026. State officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the property are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system.
Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending, with final results anticipated in the coming days.
Avian Influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, along with some wild bird species, such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.
According to the Maryland Department of Health, the risk of transmission between birds and the general public is low. Those who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be more at risk and should follow key biosecurity practices.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to urge growers and backyard flock owners to implement enhanced biosecurity practices and become familiar with what to do if HPAI is suspected in a flock. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares more guidance here.
- Look for signs of illness. Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.
- Report suspected sick birds:
- To report a possible case of HPAI in a commercial or backyard flock, call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810.
- Commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners can email questions about the outbreak to [email protected].
- To report a sick wild bird in Maryland, call the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Services hotline at (877) 463-6497 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Key biosecurity practices:
- Clean and disinfect transportation. Don’t walk through or drive trucks, tractors, or equipment in areas where waterfowl or other wildlife feces may be. If you can’t avoid this, clean your shoes, vehicle, and equipment thoroughly to prevent bringing disease agents back to your flock. This is especially important when visiting with farmers or those who hunt wildfowl, such as when gathering at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or gas station.
- Remove loose feed. Don’t give wild birds, rodents, and insects a free lunch. Remove spilled or uneaten feed right away, and make sure feed storage units are secure and free of holes. Wild birds can carry HPAI.
- Keep visitors to a minimum. Only allow those people who take care of your poultry to come in contact with your birds, including family and friends. Make sure everyone who has contact with your flock follows biosecurity principles.
- Wash your hands before and after coming in contact with live poultry. Wash with soap and water. If using a hand sanitizer, first remove manure, feathers, and other materials from your hands because disinfectants will not penetrate organic matter or caked-on dirt.
- Provide disposable boot covers (preferred) and/or disinfectant footbaths for anyone having contact with your flock. If using a footbath, be sure to remove all droppings, mud, or debris from boots and shoes using a long-handled scrub brush BEFORE stepping into the disinfectant footbath, and always keep it clean.
- Change clothes before entering poultry areas and before exiting the property.
Visitors should wear protective outer garments or disposable coveralls, boots, and headgear when handling birds, and shower and/or change clothes when leaving the facility. - Clean and disinfect tools or equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility. Before allowing vehicles, trucks, tractors, or tools and equipment – including egg flats and cases that have come in contact with birds or their droppings – to exit the property, make sure they are cleaned and disinfected to prevent contaminated equipment from transporting disease. Do not move or reuse items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected, such as cardboard egg flats.
For more information on High Path Avian Influenza in Maryland, please visit: https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx.
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February 13, 2026
Department is now accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Department is now accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Grant Applications Due by March 23, 2026
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 13, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a reimbursement grant program aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Maryland’s specialty crops. MDA anticipates that approximately $400,000 in funding may be available under the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and that these funds will be subject to USDA’s General Terms and Conditions, effective December 31, 2025; prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review these terms and conditions before applying for a grant under this program, as grant awardees will be subject to them.
The program is seeking applications from eligible non-profit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, and other organizations for projects that aim to promote or enhance the production of and access to Maryland specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees, and nursery crops.
“Maryland’s specialty crops sector holds tremendous potential for innovation and growth,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “This grant program offers a valuable opportunity for farmers and organizations to explore new projects that will not only enhance the production of specialty crops but also expand access for consumers. I strongly encourage everyone in the industry to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Competitive grants will be awarded for projects with a minimum of $15,000. In the past, Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program grants have ranged from $15,000–$140,000. Funds will be awarded for projects lasting up to two years in duration and that conclude by Nov. 15, 2028. Proposals will be evaluated based on their potential for the greatest impact on Maryland specialty crop producers.
Applicants must be a Maryland resident or their business or educational affiliation must be in Maryland. Proposals can be completed online through Maryland OneStop. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 23, at 11:59 p.m. All applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program manager and review committee.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture administers Maryland’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding. Funding is made available by the U.S. Farm Bill through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.
For questions about Maryland’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the application process, please contact the program’s administrator, Karen Fedor, at [email protected] or 410-841-5773. More information about the program is available on the department’s website.
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February 10, 2026
Maryland Agricultural Commission Meeting Notice
Wednesday, Feb.11th
Farm Profitability and Sustainability Committee 10:15 am – 11:15 am
February 6, 2026
Governor Moore Inducts McGinnis Family into Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame
Governor Moore Inducts McGinnis Family into Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame
Celebration Also Showcases Agricultural Products at the Taste of Maryland Agriculture
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 6, 2026) — Governor Wes Moore proudly inducted the McGinnis Family of Baltimore County into the prestigious Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame during the 56th Annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture event, which took place on Thursday, February 5th, at Maryland Live! Casino and Hotel.
“We are honored to recognize the McGinnis Family as a inductee into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame,” said Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Their commitment to agriculture and their community exemplifies the spirit of Maryland’s farming heritage, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements tonight.”
Established by former Governor William Donald Schaefer in 1991, the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional leaders in agriculture who demonstrate unwavering dedication to their craft and significant contributions to their communities. Nominations are collected through local University of Maryland Extension offices in late summer and submitted to the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Hall of Fame Program coordinator in the fall.
The Taste of Maryland Agriculture celebration, sponsored by the Maryland Agriculture Council, stands as the state’s premier agricultural gathering, uniting industry leaders with both state and national legislators. The evening was filled with a delightful array of Maryland agricultural products, including tastings from the state’s renowned beer, wine, and cidery producers.
In addition to honoring the McGinnis family, the event also awarded multiple outstanding programs with Maryland Agriculture Council Educational Grants, highlighting the importance of education and innovation in the agricultural sector.
For more information on each Hall of Fame family, please visit the department’s website. For additional photos from the event, follow this link.
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February 5, 2026
Department Extends Deadline for Farmers to File Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs)
Department Extends Deadline for Farmers to File Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs)
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 4, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for farmers to submit Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) for 2025 nutrient applications to April 1, 2026. This extension also applies to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).
Due to unforeseen printing issues, AIRs for several regions of the state will not be mailed until later this week. To accommodate the delayed delivery of these personalized paper reporting forms, MDA has extended the deadline by one month. Thank you to the farmers who reached out with their concerns; your feedback is greatly appreciated!
As a reminder, electronic reporting is available through Maryland OneStop. Those who are new to this electronic reporting option will need to register for an account. In addition, blank paper reporting forms are available for download on the department’s website. For more information, farmers should contact their regional nutrient management office.
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January 29, 2026
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Caroline County
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Caroline County
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2026)— The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Caroline County. This is the first case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Caroline County this year and the first case in Maryland in 2026. State officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the property are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system.
Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending, with final results anticipated in the coming days.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, along with some wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.
According to the Maryland Department of Health, the risk of transmission between birds and the general public is low. Those who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be more at risk and should follow key biosecurity practices.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to urge growers and backyard flock owners to implement enhanced biosecurity practices and become familiar with what to do if HPAI is suspected in a flock. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares more guidance here.
-
Look for signs of illness. Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.
-
Report suspected sick birds:
-
To report a possible case of HPAI in a commercial or backyard flock, call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810.
-
Commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners can email questions about the outbreak to [email protected].
-
To report a sick wild bird in Maryland, call the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Services hotline at (877) 463-6497 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Key biosecurity practices:
-
Clean and disinfect transportation. Don’t walk through or drive trucks, tractors, or equipment in areas where waterfowl or other wildlife feces may be. If you can’t avoid this, clean your shoes, vehicle, and equipment thoroughly to prevent bringing disease agents back to your flock. This is especially important when visiting with farmers or those who hunt wildfowl, such as when gathering at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or gas station.
-
Remove loose feed. Don’t give wild birds, rodents, and insects a free lunch. Remove spilled or uneaten feed right away, and make sure feed storage units are secure and free of holes. Wild birds can carry HPAI.
-
Keep visitors to a minimum. Only allow those people who take care of your poultry to come in contact with your birds, including family and friends. Make sure everyone who has contact with your flock follows biosecurity principles.
-
Wash your hands before and after coming in contact with live poultry. Wash with soap and water. If using a hand sanitizer, first remove manure, feathers, and other materials from your hands because disinfectants will not penetrate organic matter or caked-on dirt.
-
Provide disposable boot covers (preferred) and/or disinfectant footbaths for anyone having contact with your flock. If using a footbath, be sure to remove all droppings, mud, or debris from boots and shoes using a long-handled scrub brush BEFORE stepping into the disinfectant footbath, and always keep it clean.
-
Change clothes before entering poultry areas and before exiting the property.
Visitors should wear protective outer garments or disposable coveralls, boots, and headgear when handling birds, and shower and/or change clothes when leaving the facility. -
Clean and disinfect tools or equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility. Before allowing vehicles, trucks, tractors, or tools and equipment – including egg flats and cases that have come in contact with birds or their droppings – to exit the property, make sure they are cleaned and disinfected to prevent contaminated equipment from transporting disease. Do not move or reuse items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected – such as cardboard egg flats.
For more information on High Path Avian Influenza in Maryland, please visit: https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx.
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Department Launches Outreach Campaign to Promote Stream Protection, Herd Health
Department Launches Outreach Campaign to Promote Stream Protection, Herd Health
Up to 87.5% Cost-Share Available for Most Practices
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has launched a new public awareness campaign to educate farmers about the environmental and animal health benefits of fencing livestock out of streams and providing them with a clean, reliable water source. The campaign spotlights the department’s full range of incentive programs to install stream protection practices that benefit herd health and help farmers comply with Maryland’s livestock setback requirements for waterways. It will run throughout February and features a 30-second public service announcement airing on local news, cable, and broadcast networks, including Maryland Public Television. Social media messaging will also be shared across a range of digital platforms.
“Farmers who fence off their streams and install watering facilities in pastures report improved productivity and weight gain, fewer injuries, and cleaner waterways,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “If you own farmland next to a stream, contact your local soil conservation district for free technical assistance to install stream protection practices that comply with state setback requirements and enhance both your farm and the environment,” he said.
The department’s Conservation Grants Program offers financial incentives to support a range of practices that support healthy waterways and livestock. Free technical assistance to plan and install practices is provided by local soil conservation districts.
Eligible practices and programs include:
- Livestock Watering Facilities—Up to 87.5% cost-share
- Livestock Exclusion Fencing—Up to 87% cost-share
- Stream Crossings—Up to 87.5% cost-share
- Stream Buffers—Up to 100% cost-share and $2 for each tree planted.
- Conservation Buffer Initiative—Pays up to $4,500 an acre to install a riparian forest buffer with pasture fencing; new riparian forest buffers also qualify for a one-time bonus payment of $1,000/acre.
- Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)—This federal-state partnership program pays attractive land rental rates to remove environmentally sensitive agricultural land out of production for 10-15 years and install conservation practices to protect streams. New riparian forest buffers also qualify for a one-time BONUS PAYMENT of $1,000/acre.
Farmers and agricultural landowners who want to learn more about the department’s stream protection practices should visit the website. Free technical help and application assistance for most projects is available through local soil conservation districts.
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National Park Service Awards $100,000 to the State of Maryland for AgriTrails
National Park Service Awards $100,000 to the State of Maryland for AgriTrails
Maryland’s Best AgriTrails highlights Maryland food along with outdoor recreation
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources were recently awarded $100,000 of grant funding by the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways to support AgriTrails, highlighting Maryland’s agricultural and natural resources. The initiative will connect Maryland agriculture and aquaculture businesses with outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands and State Parks to increase awareness, appreciation, and economic vitality across Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Gateway communities. The collaboration will guide Marylanders and visitors on an adventure of “Maryland Grown Food and Fun.”
“Through the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways grant, we have the opportunity to showcase Maryland’s agricultural resources, while also highlighting Maryland’s outdoor recreation,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Sip & Shuck is an example of a marketing campaign that shines a light on Maryland’s rich agricultural products.”
The State of Maryland plays a vital role in protecting its natural resources, supporting local agriculture and aquaculture, and expanding equitable access to nature. With over half of the Chesapeake Bay located within Maryland’s borders, numerous working waterfronts and communities are dependent on Bay resources. Maryland has over 280 dairy farms, 475 commercial shellfish operations, 800 licensed oyster harvesters, and 500,000 acres of public land.
“In Maryland, oysters aren’t just food, they’re part of our culture, our economy, and our environment,” said Sandi Olek, Director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation. Maryland’s outdoor experiences are just as distinctive as our local flavors. Sip & Shuck brings that story to life by pairing Maryland-grown food with outdoor adventures, helping people experience how the Chesapeake Bay, local farms, and our state’s beautiful recreation spaces are all connected.”
National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways (NPS Chesapeake Gateways) offers competitive grant opportunities to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 within the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed. Chesapeake Gateways grants inspire and help people discover, experience, and connect with Chesapeake Places and Experiences across its rivers, landscapes, and communities to enhance stewardship, heritage, and outdoor tourism economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Through this grant, AgriTrails will link agricultural tourism with outdoor recreation to increase public engagement, support agribusinesses, encourage Bay-friendly consumer practices, and foster a greater understanding of Maryland’s natural, cultural, and agricultural heritage. The initiative will showcase Maryland’s outdoor landscapes while connecting residents and visitors with local farms and producers.
In 2026, the partnership will offer three Maryland AgriTrails to explore: Sip & Shuck (February-March), Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail (Memorial Day-Labor Day), and Bikes & Brews (September-November). Interested participants can use the online platform Bandwango, accessible through Maryland’s Best website, to learn more about the trails and check in at the designated locations for a chance to win prizes. The first trail to launch, Sip & Shuck, begins February 1 and pairs breweries, restaurants, and distilleries that use local Maryland oysters and ingredients with nearby outdoor recreation activities.
For more details, head to marylandsbest.net/agritrails.
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About Maryland Department of Agriculture: The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is a unit of the Maryland State government formed in 1972 to represent agriculture’s growing importance and impact to the economy of the state. MDA programs are a combination of regulatory, consumer-facing, and educational or promotional in scope. All are intended to provide the maximum protection possible for the consumer, protect the environment, and promote the economic well-being of farmers, food and fiber processors, and businesses engaged in agricultural-related operations. For more information: mda.maryland.gov.
About Maryland Department of Natural Resources: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources leads the state toward a resilient future by using data, partnerships, and an innovative spirit to improve ecological, social, and economic outcomes for all communities. Learn more about the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at dnr.maryland.gov.
About National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways: Established by Congress in 1998, Chesapeake Gateways is a partnership network and community assistance program coordinated by the National Park Service. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the program serves the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting and promoting authentic Chesapeake experiences for local communities and visitors. Visit us at www.nps.gov/Chesapaeake, on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChesapeakeNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/ChesapeakeNPS.
January 23, 2026
Department encourages farmers to file their Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs)
Department encourages farmers to file their Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs)
Electronic reporting is now available through Maryland OneStop
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 23, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds farmers that the deadline to submit Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) outlining nutrient applications made in calendar year 2025 is March 1, 2026. Electronic reporting is available through Maryland OneStop for those who want to save time and reduce errors. Farmers new to this electronic reporting option will need to register for an account. Returning farmers should log in to their existing accounts to use the e-file option.
Approximately 5,500 Maryland farmers are regulated by the department’s Nutrient Management Program. These farmers are required to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure and submit annual reports summarizing nutrient applications for the previous year. Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) operating under a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment submit one combined Reporting Form and a manure analysis to Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program.
Farmers have found that electronic filing is the fastest and most convenient way to submit their AIRs due to its convenience, accuracy, and speed. Users are guided through the application process and receive a delivery confirmation when the report is submitted and status updates as data is verified.
A mail-in option remains available this year for farmers who want to continue to use paper reports. Paper forms will be mailed to all regulated farmers by the end of January and are available for download on the department’s website. For more information, farmers should contact their regional nutrient management office.
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January 22, 2026
NourishMD Grant Program Creates New Opportunities for Farmers Markets, Farm Stands, and Local Food Retailers to Strengthen Maryland’s Food System
NourishMD Grant Program Creates New Opportunities for Farmers Markets, Farm Stands, and Local Food Retailers to Strengthen Maryland’s Food System
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 22, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, has launched the NourishMD Grant Program to expand access to healthy, fresh food in communities experiencing food insecurity. Eligible farmers markets, farm stands, and other food retailers can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 to support equipment, infrastructure, and SNAP/EBT technology that strengthens local food systems and farm viability. Applications are open through February 20, 2026, with awards expected in May 2026.
Through this initiative, eligible retailers, including farmers markets, on-farm markets, and farm stands, may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, with up to $2 million in total funding available statewide. Funds are intended to strengthen local food infrastructure, support farmers, and improve food access for Maryland residents by investing in equipment, facilities, inventory expansion, and technology, particularly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) infrastructure and systems.
The NourishMD Grant Program presents a unique opportunity for both existing Maryland Market Money (MMM) access points and new, prospective retailers to build capacity, modernize operations, and better serve communities with high fresh food gaps. For farmers’ markets and farm-based retailers, the program can support critical upgrades such as refrigeration, point-of-sale technology, storage, and market infrastructure, helping farmers accept nutrition benefits, reduce administrative barriers, and reach more customers.
“Maryland’s farmers markets and farm-based retailers play a critical role in connecting communities to fresh, local food,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “Through the NourishMD Grant Program, we are investing directly in the infrastructure and technology that farmers and market operators need to grow their businesses, accept nutrition benefits like SNAP and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and ensure more Marylanders can access healthy, locally grown food.”
Eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit food retailers that serve communities with a Maryland Community Business Compass (MCBC) Fresh Food Gap Score of 60% or higher. To support direct-marketing farmers and consistent community food access, farmers markets and on-farm markets are exempt from the five-day-per-week requirement, provided they operate weekly throughout the year.
The program also supports Maryland Market Money’s broader mission to remove economic barriers to local food access while strengthening farm viability. By pairing NourishMD investments with nutrition incentive programs like MMM, farmers and market operators can expand both the physical and digital infrastructure needed to serve more customers and increase farm sales.
Marylanders’ access to healthy food should never depend on their ZIP code or neighborhood. Food deserts are a result of long-standing inequity and disinvestment that limits opportunity and dignity for too many Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This exciting partnership between DHCD and MDA has equity at its core — it will support small businesses, strengthen local economies, and ensure more families can access the healthy food they deserve.
The NourishMD Grant Program application portal opened January 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST, and will close February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Award notifications are expected in May 2026, with funding disbursed following Board of Public Works approval.
Farmers markets, farm stands, and other interested food retailers are encouraged to learn more, explore eligibility, and apply by visiting: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Business/Pages/NourishMD-Grant-Program.aspx
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Registration Now Open for Maryland’s Farmers Market Conference
Registration Now Open for Maryland’s Farmers Market Conference
Annual Event Scheduled for March 10, 2026
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced that registration is now open for the 2026 Maryland Farmers Market Conference.
The annual conference brings together local farmers’ markets and farmers to share topics that will support and promote the success of farmers’ markets across the state. The conference will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis. Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks will be the keynote speaker and will be on hand for a meet and greet with participants.
“Our farmers’ markets are the heart of Maryland’s communities, providing a direct link between farmers and the families they feed,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “I’m looking forward to serving as this year’s keynote speaker and sitting down with our market managers and producers. This conference is about giving our agricultural partners the practical tools they need to ensure 2026 is their most successful season yet.”
Direct marketing farmers, farmers market managers, agricultural professionals, and local food supporters are invited to hear from leaders working in food access programs, current issues facing farmers markets, such as conflict resolution, value-added food regulations, and immigration and enforcement trends. The event will also feature a marketing panel where we’ll hear about different strategies to promote your small farm or organization. Breakout sessions will allow participants to dive deeper into marketing, conflict resolution, and nutrient management plans.
Farmers Market Nutrition Program training and reauthorization will be available for all new and returning farmers participating in the program. This is an opportunity to complete required program authorization, ask questions, and ensure you are ready for the upcoming season.
Throughout the day, participating organizations will be available between sessions and during lunch to share resources and provide technical assistance. Maryland Market Money, now a program of MDA, will also be on site to share information. In addition, farmers are also encouraged to bring their scales to be certified with the MDA Weights and Measures office on-site.
Tickets to the conference are $35. Space is limited to the first 90 guests who reserve their ticket and send payment. Locally sourced breakfast pastries and lunch will be provided. Register for the conference here.
For questions, please reach out to Sara Servin at [email protected]
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January 21, 2026
Maryland’s Best Seafood Showcases at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America
Maryland’s Best Seafood Showcases at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America
Stop by booth 1004 to sample Maryland’s Seafood bounty
ANNAPOLIS, MD, (January 21, 2026) – Maryland’s Best, Maryland’s state-wide marketing program connecting consumers to farmers and watermen, will be showcasing wild-caught Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish, fresh Maryland oysters, Bay scallops, and more delectable seafood from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean at North America’s largest seafood event, Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America. The Expo will take place from March 15-17, 2026, in Boston, MA, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
“Maryland has showcased at the Seafood Expo North America for years, highlighting Maryland businesses that catch and process the Chesapeake and Atlantic Ocean’s bounty,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “As demonstrated in the Maryland booth at the 2026 show, attendees will be able to see how diverse Maryland’s seafood offerings are, ranging from bay scallops to wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish.”
Maryland’s Best, located in booth #1004, will be showcasing Maryland products from five Maryland-based seafood companies, including Black Pearl Spice Company, Hollywood Oyster Company, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood/Culinary Craft Packaging, Fallen Pine Oyster, Baywater Seafood, and Blue Cat Fisheries. Stop by the booth to sample Maryland seafood products, an all-in-one mix for crab cakes, oyster salsa, Maryland blue crabs, oysters, and more. Maryland is known for its seafood, and we invite you to come see why for yourself at the Seafood Expo North America.
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January 20, 2026
Secretary Atticks Appoints Elizabeth Hoffman as Program Manager for Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming Initiative
Secretary Atticks Appoints Elizabeth Hoffman as Program Manager for Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming Initiative
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2026)- The Maryland Department of Agriculture has named Elizabeth Hoffman as Program Manager for the state’s new Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program. This statewide program will recognize and reward conservation efforts, promote effective implementation, and honor Maryland farmers who adopt practices that benefit both the community and the agricultural industry.
“Elizabeth brings experience and enthusiasm to her new position with LEEF,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Her experience with Chesapeake Bay restoration strategies, understanding of conservation programming and partnerships across the watershed, and the need to support and include our state’s diverse farming operations as part of that work, make her a great fit for this role,” he said.
Hoffman steps into her new role after serving as the Watershed Strategies Administrator for the Office of Resource Conservation since 2018. Over the past year, she has worked with MDA staff and stakeholders to develop the LEEF program’s framework, establish key partnerships, and facilitate farmer feedback.
LEEF is a tiered recognition system that rewards farmers for a high level of commitment to conservation practices and community engagement. Established by the 2025 Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, LEEF certification rewards farmers for their soil and water conservation efforts through the use of best management practices. The program also recognizes community-focused practices such as land preservation, supporting local food system resilience, advancing industry research, mentoring new and beginning farmers, and more, as part of a farm’s well-rounded portfolio of stewardship.
In addition to amplifying the suite of programming and assistance available through MDA’s Office of Resource Conservation, LEEF aims to strengthen connections between the agricultural community, conservation partners, research institutions, and industry, while linking conservation outcomes to markets and economic returns. LEEF will coordinate closely with the department’s newly expanded Marketing and Agricultural Development Program.
Farms seeking LEEF certification will work directly with the department. Since the program is still being finalized, applications are not yet open at this time. More information will be shared this spring after the advisory committee convenes. Interested farmers should visit the website for more details or contact the LEEF program at [email protected].
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