MPT’s Maryland Farm & Harvest Season Seven Premieres November 12

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) popular original series Maryland Farm & Harvest, returns for its seventh season on November 12 with the first of 13 new half-hour episodes airing on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT-HD.

Maryland Farm & Harvest takes viewers on journeys across the state, telling stories about the farms, people, and technology required to sustain and grow Maryland’s number one industry: agriculture. MPT’s production team has filmed episode segments at more than four dozen farms in preparation for the new season. The first episode alone takes viewers to locations in Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Frederick Counties.

The new season of the weekly series also features themed episodes focused on farming education, women in farming, beverages made from Maryland farm products, farm demographics, and a special end-of-year holiday episode.

A short season seven preview can be viewed here. More series information is available at mpt.org/farm, and viewers can join the conversation on social media at the hashtag #MDFarmHarvest.

Series host Joanne Clendining, who earned an Emmy® award from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for her work on Maryland Farm & Harvest, returns for season seven. She is joined by Al Spoler, co-host of WYPR-FM’s “Cellar Notes” and “Radio Kitchen” programs, who handles duties for each episode’s The Local Buy segment.

More than nine million viewers have tuned in to Maryland Farm & Harvest since its 2013 debut. The series, which earlier this year earned two additional Emmy Awards for episodes during its sixth season, has taken MPT viewers to 300 farms, fisheries, and other agriculture-related locations during its first six seasons, covering every Maryland county, as well as Baltimore City and Washington, D.C.

Maryland Farm & Harvest airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT-HD and is rebroadcast on Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 a.m. Each show also airs on MPT2/Create® on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Past episodes of the series can be viewed at https://video.mpt.tv/show/maryland-farm-harvest/.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is MPT’s co-production partner for Maryland Farm & Harvest. Major funding is provided by the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board.

Additional funding is provided by Maryland’s Best; the Maryland Agricultural Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation; MidAtlantic Farm Credit; the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation; the Rural Maryland Council; and the Maryland Soybean Board.

Other support comes from the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts; Wegmans Food Markets; the Maryland Nursery, Landscape & Greenhouse Association; the Maryland Seafood Marketing Fund; the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.; the Maryland Farm Bureau; The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment; Mar-Del Watermelon Association; Eddie Mercer Agri-Services, Inc.; and Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.

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October 29, 2019

Department Seeks Exhibitors for 2020 Seafood Expo North America

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Marketing Program is reserving booth space at Seafood Expo North America in Boston, March 15-17, 2020, and is seeking six local businesses to attend and showcase the best of Maryland’s seafood industry. This expo is the largest seafood tradeshow in the United States, and will give exhibitors access to distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and food service representatives from around the world. Last year’s expo drew a crowd of over 22,200 people.

Those interested in attending should contact the department’s Seafood Marketing Director Stone Slade at [email protected] for an application. Selection is determined on a first-come, first-served basis and those chosen to participate by the Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission will receive a discounted exhibitor rate between $1,250 and $1,500.

For more information on Seafood Expo North America, visit their website.

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October 28, 2019

Department Issues Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine in Cecil and Harford Counties

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture today issued a spotted lanternfly quarantine for all of Cecil and Harford Counties. This quarantine is effective immediately and will restrict the movement of regulated articles within the quarantine zone that contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages, including egg masses, nymphs, and adults.

Examples of regulated articles include landscaping, remodeling, or construction waste; packing materials like wood boxes or crates; plants and plant parts; vehicles; and other outdoor items.

Following the department’s 2019 survey season, these two counties were found to have established populations of spotted lanternfly. The quarantine has been issued in an effort to control the spread of this invasive insect to other parts of the state. A map of the quarantine zone can be viewed here.

Businesses, municipalities, and government agencies that require the movement of any regulated item within or from the quarantine zone must have a permit. A permit can be obtained by taking a free online training course through PennState Extension. Upon completion of the course and an online exam, individuals will receive a permit.

Managers, supervisors, or employees of a business or organization operating in the quarantine zone must receive the approved training and pass the exam by at least 70% to demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the pest and quarantine requirements. Training of other employees, inspection of vehicles and products, and removal of living stages of spotted lanternfly must also be completed.

All spotted lanternfly permits for Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware are transferable and valid throughout the region — meaning a permit from any of these states can be used in Maryland. Maryland is currently in the process of developing its own training and permitting system for spotted lanternfly.

Those living within the quarantine zone are encouraged to be vigilant in containing the spread of spotted lanternfly. The department has created a residential compliance checklist that is available for download on its website that educates residents on the lifecycle of the spotted lanternfly, and areas to inspect around the home.

The spotted lanternfly poses a major threat to the region’s agricultural industries as it feeds on over 70 different types of plants and crops, including grapes, hops, apples, peaches, oak, pine, and many others. Originally from Asia, the spotted lanternfly is nonnative to the U.S., and was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania in the fall of 2014. As a known hitchhiker, the spotted lanternfly has spread to 14 counties within Pennsylvania, and also has confirmed populations in Delaware, Virginia, and New Jersey.

This fall, the department’s Plant Protection and Weed Management Program partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to treat Ailanthus altissima for spotted lanternfly at multiple sites in the upper northeast corner of Cecil County, and along the northern border of Harford County. In total, 2,698 trees have been treated (2,403 trees in Cecil County and 295 trees in Harford County). The program continues to work with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine program, University of Maryland Extension and others to monitor the insect in Maryland.

If you suspect you have found a spotted lanternfly, snap a picture of it, collect it, put it in a plastic bag, freeze it, and report it to the Maryland Department of Agriculture at [email protected]. Dead samples from any life stage can be sent to the Maryland Department of Agriculture Plant Protection and Weed Management Program at 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

More information about the spotted lanternfly can be found on the department’s website. For questions related to the quarantine, permitting, or treatment, please contact that Plant Protection and Weed Management Program at 410-841-5920.

Download the department’s Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Fact Sheet for more details about the quarantine.

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October 17, 2019

Maryland Horse Industry Board Certifies Seven New Horse Discovery Centers

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Horse Industry Board — a program within the Maryland Department of Agriculture — has certified seven new Horse Discovery Centers in seven different counties across the state.

These centers are part of a volunteer certification program of existing licensed stables that welcome the general public of all ages and experience levels to learn about horses in a knowledgeable and friendly environment.

The seven new Horse Discovery Centers include:

• Camp Letts Equestrian Center — Edgewater (Anne Arundel County)
• Coexist Stables LLC — Mount Airy (Carroll County)
• Foxie G Foundation — Union Bridge (Frederick County)
• Linden Farm — La Plata (Charles County)
• Molly Hill Farm — Whiteford (Harford County)
• Talisman Therapeutic Riding Inc. — Queenstown (Queen Anne’s County)
• Wellspring of Life Farm — Monkton (Baltimore County)

These seven stables were recently recognized at the Maryland Horse Council’s annual barbecue at Sagamore Farm in Reisterstown.

“Maryland’s Horse Discovery Centers are at the heart of our state’s equine industry,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “For many visitors, the Horse Discovery Centers provide their first experience on a working horse farm. The centers play a critical role in engaging the public and showing them just how important the equine industry is in Maryland.”

“With the addition of these seven Horse Discovery Centers, this brings the total number of centers to 40 in 18 different counties around the state,” said Jim Steele, Chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. “These stables are part of the horse community’s outreach, making it accessible for every Marylander to learn about horses and to get involved.”

Many of the stables offer monthly “Open Barns,” where the public is invited to visit and interact with horses first-hand. They offer a wide range of experiences from demonstrations and hands-on activities to farm tours and volunteer opportunities. Many stables also offer riding lessons, trail rides, and pony rides.

“Horse Discover Centers are a great resource for folks to learn about horses, Maryland horse shows, and equine events,” said Anne Litz, Maryland Horse Industry Board’s Field Marketing Specialist. “The centers also serve as a recruitment opportunity to refer future equestrians to organizations like 4-H, Pony Clubs, and other equine associations.”

A full listing of Horse Discovery Centers and their contact information is available at www.mda.maryland.gov/horseboard.

For more information on the Horse Discovery Centers and Maryland’s equine industry, contact Anne Litz at [email protected], or Ross Peddicord at [email protected], 410-841-5798.

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October 16, 2019

Celebrate National Seafood Month with Fresh, In-Season Maryland Seafood

ANNAPOLIS, MD – October is National Seafood Month and the Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages Marylanders to support our local watermen and processors by purchasing Maryland seafood throughout the month and beyond.

“Maryland is known for many things and seafood is at the top of the list,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “In Maryland, the seafood sector is an important industry that contributes more than $355 million each year to the state’s economy and supports 3,341 jobs. By eating Maryland seafood, you are supporting local watermen, Maryland’s seafood industry, and the entire state’s economy.”

Maryland seafood is best known for its iconic blue crab. In 2017, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that Maryland watermen harvested 30.6 million pounds of crabs, totaling nearly $48.5 million. In that same year, 671,000 pounds of oysters were harvested for a dockside value of $10.4 million. Maryland watermen also harvested 1.8 million pounds of rockfish with a dockside value of $7 million and 1.7 million pounds of Chesapeake blue catfish with a dockside value of $920,000.

Maryland’s famous blue crabs, wild oysters, rockfish, and Chesapeake blue catfish are currently in season. The department encourages Marylanders to ask for Maryland seafood when dining at restaurants and for home cooks to try recipes that include the local bounty.

The department recommends trying Chesapeake blue catfish. The Chesapeake blue catfish is a non-native species in Bay that feasts on mussels, freshwater clams, perch, rockfish, and blue crabs. By eating the flaky, white fish you can help protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and support the seafood industry.

Another way to celebrate National Seafood Month is by attending the 53rd Annual U.S. Oyster Festival in St. Mary’s County on Oct. 19 & 20. This event is home to the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest and the National Oyster Cook-Off.

For more information about Maryland seafood, where to purchase local seafood, and for seafood recipes, visit www.marylandsbest.net.

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October 15, 2019

Maryland Department of Agriculture Accepting Proposals for 2020 Animal Waste Technology Grants

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Agriculture is now accepting Fiscal Year 2020 grant proposals for the department’s Animal Waste Technology Fund. This Fund seeks projects from vendors, businesses, and individuals offering technologies that can demonstrate innovative, economically-feasible management and utilization of manure and manure products.

The Fund has approximately $3.5 million available to invest in innovative technologies during FY 2020, which ends June 30, 2020. There is no maximum or minimum request. To be eligible for financial assistance, the project must have a strong potential to improve public health and the environment; preserve the viability of the agriculture industry; and have a positive economic development impact in Maryland.

Applications can be downloaded on the department’s Animal Waste Technology Grants website. Proposals should be submitted by 4 p.m. on December 1, 2019 to:

Ms. Alisha Mulkey
Maryland Department of Agriculture — Office of Resource Conservation
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 410-841-5734

Email submissions with application attachments in PDF or Word format are preferred. Please view the Fund’s 2020 Request for Proposals for more information regarding application submission, eligibility, and deadlines.

The purpose of this Fund is to encourage the development and implementation of proven and innovative technologies that manage agricultural manure and on-farm generated waste in a manner that reduces the amount of nutrients in the waste; changes the product’s form or function for alternative uses; or produces energy or other marketable products from the waste.

Maryland and other Bay jurisdictions are in the final phase of a multi-state Bay cleanup effort that is working to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients — mainly nitrogen and phosphorus — entering its waters by 2025.

While poultry litter and livestock manure make excellent fertilizers and soil amendments, their use as a crop fertilizer creates challenges for farms with high soil phosphorus levels. To help these producers protect waterways from excess phosphorus and remain profitable, Maryland is investing in technologies that support new uses for manure such as alternative product development and manure-to-energy projects that add value to the farm business model.

Funding support for the Animal Waste Technology Fund is provided by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and the Maryland Energy Administration. For more information, visit the Animal Waste Technology Grants’ website or contact Alisha Mulkey at 410-841-5863 or [email protected].

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October 11, 2019

Maryland Agricultural Highlights – October 2019

Cover Crop Planting Deadline is November 5

Farmers who signed up for grants to plant cover crops this fall with the Maryland Department of Agriculture have until November 5, 2019, to get their fields planted. Farmers who plant their cover crops by October 15 can receive an additional $5-$10 per acre bonus payment. Actual amount depends on the planting method used. For more information, farmers should visit the department’s Cover Crop Program website, contact their local soil conservation district, or call the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program at 410-841-5864.

Homeowners Should Hire Only Licensed and Certified Lawn Care Professionals

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that lawn care professionals hired to fertilize lawns must be certified and licensed by the Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program. Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may not be applied near streams or if heavy rain is predicted. To further protect the Chesapeake Bay, fertilizer that lands on sidewalks or driveways must be cleaned up or swept back on the grass. For more information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law and a list of licensed and certified lawn care professionals, visit the department’s website.

Nutrient Management Training Set for December 17

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland Extension will provide an update on Maryland’s nutrient management regulations with a focus on current topics affecting the agricultural community. The training will take place Tuesday, December 17 at the National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel. Participants will receive six continuing education units in all agricultural nutrient management categories. The $30 fee covers learning materials and lunch. Seating is limited and admission is by prepaid registration only. For a registration form, visit the department’s website or call 410-841-5959.

31^st Annual MAEF Banquet and Auction Set for November 7

The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) will host its 31^st annual banquet and auction Thursday, November 7 at Michael’s 8th Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie. Tickets are $70 per person and may be purchased by contacting Amie McDaniels at [email protected] or 410-939-9030. RSVP by October 15. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit MAEF’s agricultural educational outreach programs.

October Newsletter Available

Read the latest edition of The Harford Resource, the quarterly newsletter of the Harford Soil Conservation District. The newsletter takes a nostalgic look back at the district’s 75-year history of helping landowners protect natural resources on their land, along with new faces, upcoming events, and other conservation news. The newsletter is also available on the Harford Soil Conservation District’s Facebook.

St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District Now on Facebook

The St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District has launched a Facebook page to keep farmers, developers, and other key audiences updated on its soil and water conservation programs, events, training opportunities, and other natural resources news. Follow them here.

Garrett Soil Conservation District Honors Green Family as Cooperator of the Year

The Garrett Soil Conservation District presented its 2019 Cooperator of the Year award to the Green family at its annual Cooperators Dinner on September 19. Over the years, Kenny and Deborah Green have installed a variety of best management practices on their farm to manage manure and protect water quality. Best management practices installed at their brood cow herd operation and commercial hay business include a manure storage structure and heavy use area, stream buffer, livestock exclusion fencing, watering facility, and contour strips. Visit the Garrett Soil Conservation District’s website to learn more.

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Maryland’s Conservation Partnership is a coalition of federal, state, and local agriculture agencies dedicated to protecting and conserving natural resources and promoting Maryland agriculture. Members include the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, the State Soil Conservation Committee, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency and University of Maryland Extension.

Fall Agritourism Activities Happening on Farms Around the State

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The department is encouraging Marylanders to support their local farmers and rural communities this fall by visiting a Maryland farm that offers agritourism activities. Maryland agritourism operations provide opportunities for the general public to learn about farming, agriculture, and where their food comes from.

“Agritourism is a growing industry here in Maryland and it is a great way to show Marylanders what life on the farm is really like,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “I encourage all Marylanders to visit one of the many farms around the state that offers agricultural recreation opportunities. From hay rides to corn mazes to pumpkin patches, there is something on the farm for the whole family to enjoy.”

Maryland farmers offer a variety of fall activities as a low-cost way for families to spend time together on the farm. This is the perfect time of year to experience the fun of selecting your own pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, getting lost in a corn maze, picking Maryland apples, taking a hayride, or attending a fall festival. Depending on the farm, visitors may be able to enjoy a variety of other activities, including: farm stands with in-season produce, petting farms, pony rides, live music, decorations, fresh apple cider, home baked goods, face painting, and more.

According to a recent study on the economic impact of agritourism in Maryland, Grow & Fortify and BEACON at Salisbury University found that a majority of agritourism activities in Maryland involve: festivals, fairs, farmers markets, farm stands, and farm visits. The study also found that Maryland hosts more than 30 agriculture-related festivals and fairs that attract over a million visitors annually. These agritourism events generate over $162 million in economic impact and support over 1,000 jobs that can be linked to value-added agriculture.

As Maryland farmers face a host of challenges, many have embraced agritourism as a way to diversify their operations, create additional revenue, and allow them to pass the farm down to the next generation. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, Maryland had 295 farms that offered agritourism and recreational services in 2017. A majority of agritourism operations are on small farms ranging in 1 to 50 acres, making agritourism services critical to the longevity of many small family farms.

Show your support for Maryland farmers and the state’s agriculture industry by visiting an agritourism operation this fall. For a list of farms offering fall activities, visit the Maryland’s Best website: www.marylandsbest.net/.

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October 10, 2019

Department Honors Employees with Long Service Awards

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture today honored 48 employees for their years of dedicated service to the department and to the state. Of the 48 employees being honored, 11 have 30 or more years of service and three of those individuals have more than 40 years. Altogether, these 48 employees represent 950 years of public service and approximately 2 million hours worked and about 98,800 paychecks.

“Marylanders and our state’s agriculture community are fortunate to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable group of public servants working to strengthen the State of Maryland and this agency,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “Our staff plays a major role in furthering our state’s agriculture industry, helping farmers, protecting the environment, keeping consumers safe, and ensuring fairness in the marketplace. It is a true testament to the value of our work that many of the employees honored this year have been with the department since its earliest years.”

The following is a list of department employees by their county of residence who were recognized with service awards.

Anne Arundel

• Donna Hill, Marketing, 30 years
• Derrick Howe, State Chemist, 25 years
• Offiah Offiah, State Chemist, 25 years
• Sheila Saffell, Fiscal Services, 25 years
• Mary Darling, Human Resources, 20 years
• Jennifer Schaafsma, Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) program, 20 years
• Karen Fedor, Marketing, 15 years
• Therese Montano, Food Quality Assurance, 10 years
• Kimberly Abramo, Animal Health, 5 years
• Alisha Mulkey, Resource Conservation, 5 years

Baltimore City

• Aaron Webb, Weights & Measures, 45 years
• Sonya Gaynor, State Chemist, 25 years
• Joseph Boako, Weights & Measures, 20 years
• Kay-Megan Washington, Marketing, 5 years

Baltimore County

• Kenneth McManus, State Chemist, 35 years
• Theresa Brophy, Marketing, 30 years
• Rona Flagle, Resource Conservation, 30 years
• Erika Nix, State Chemist, 15 years
• Russell Noratel, Pesticides, 10 years
• Joseph Bytella, State Chemist, 5 years
• Kelly Love, Pesticides, 5 years

Calvert

• Jennifer David, Resource Conservation, 20 years

Caroline

• Deborah Minnich, Resource Conservation, 25 years
• Jeffrey Dean, Resource Conservation, 5 years

Dorchester

• Ronald Mitchell, Mosquito Control, 30 years

Harford

• Darren Alles, Nutrient Management, 20 years
• Cybil Preston, Plant Protection and Weed Management, 15 years
• Ellen James, Horse/Vet Board, 5 years

Howard

• Harwood Owings, State Chemist, 50 years
• Kimberly Arnold, Animal Health, 30 years
• Elizabeth Koncki, Weights & Measures, 10 years

Montgomery

• Berhanu Argaw, Pesticides, 10 years

Prince George’s

• Christal Stanbrough, Animal Health, 45 years
• Roshawn Burgess, Resource Conservation, 20 years
• Christopher Hickerson, Central Services, 5 years

Queen Anne’s

• Lynne Willson, Resource Conservation, 35 years
• Gwendolyn Schindler, Human Resources, 25 years
• Phyllis Riggin, Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) program, 20 years

St. Mary’s

• John Lyon, Resource Conservation, 5 years

Sussex

• Paul Nuwer, Mosquito Control, 20 years

Talbot

• Levin Schwaninger, Resource Conservation, 20 years

Wicomico

• Mark Taylor, Plant Protection and Weed Management, 35 years
• Daniel Schamberger, Mosquito Control, 25 years
• Barbara Kunie, Animal Health, 20 years

Other

• Charles Hayes, Resource Conservation, 20 years, West Virginia
• Stephanie Knutsen, Resource Conservation, 20 years, Delaware
• Paul Nuwer, Mosquito Control, 20 years, Delaware
• Jorge Velasquez, Food Quality Assurance, 5 years, Delaware
• Rhonda Cagle, Food Quality Assurance, 5 years, Delaware

Photos from today’s award ceremony can be found on the department’s Flickr.

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Department Receives $1 Million Grant to Promote Soil Health

Soil Health Advisory Committee Announced

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture today was awarded a $1 million grant through the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF) to promote healthy soil practices. This funding will allow the department to further its efforts in promoting widespread adoption of on-farm soil health practices, which increase carbon sequestration and protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The grant was announced this morning during an event at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and School in Essex.

“This grant will allow the department to expand its efforts in promoting the benefits of soil health for Maryland farmers and our environment,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “Farmers are the original stewards of the land, and we welcome this opportunity to maintain productive and sustainable farmland while continuing our progress toward a healthier Chesapeake Bay.”

This grant will be used to fund education and outreach initiatives related to soil health. This will include financial and technical assistance for farmers; training for conservation staff and crop advisors; collection of regional soil health data; and education programs, including on-farm events and farmer-to-farmer learning networks.

The department is one of 47 grant recipients announced by CBSF today for a total of $12.7 million. This funding will support programs aimed at restoration and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed throughout six states and the District of Columbia. The grants are expected to generate nearly $21 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $33.5 million.

The CBSF is a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Fund (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants Program (INSR) and Small Watershed Grants Program (SWG). Additional support is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Altria Group Restoring America’s Resources partnership.

Soil Health Advisory Committee

Furthering its mission to promote healthy soils, the department has also announced the formation of a Soil Health Advisory Committee. This committee will provide guidance and support to the department in implementing the Maryland Healthy Soils Program. This initiative will identify and promote conservation practices and technologies that improve soil productivity by enhancing the capacity of agricultural soils to hold nutrients and water, and store carbon.

More information on the Maryland Healthy Soils Program,including a full list of committee members,is available on the department’s website.

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