The Maryland Department of Agriculture signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region on April 9, renewing a partnership first established in 2020. The signing took place at the Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Park in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The renewed agreement aims to strengthen collaborative activities that benefit both Maryland’s farmers and natural resources. It includes commitments to expand communications, education, outreach, regulatory programs, funding opportunities, and training related to agricultural practices that help protect the environment.
“Every day, I see the commitment Maryland’s farmers bring to environmental stewardship, whether it’s ensuring our soils are healthy to implementing conservation practices to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “This renewed partnership with EPA strengthens our commitment to the agricultural community by providing the tools and collaboration to support productive farms and a sustainable environment.”
Key elements of the agreement include regular meetings between agencies for aligning priorities; promoting educational opportunities through roundtables and farm tours; recognizing environmental efforts by farms; amplifying funding for conservation initiatives; coordinating regulatory programs through joint trainings; improving water quality efforts; and increasing engagement with EPA when communicating with local farmers.
“Across Maryland, farmers are proving that strong bottom lines and healthy farms can grow together—and we’re proud to stand with them,” said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “With this agreement, EPA and MDA are speeding access to tools and support that build soil health, boost efficiency, safeguard streams and the Chesapeake Bay, and bolster urban and rural communities alike.”
The Maryland Department of Agriculture contributes to public welfare by ensuring food safety through inspections of establishments as well as monitoring livestock health across its operations statewide according to its official website. The department also promotes agricultural products locally and globally while supporting farmer education on agriculture’s economic importance according to its official website. In addition, it offers services such as animal health monitoring alongside food safety inspections according to its official website.
Operating from 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis according to its official website, the department aids new generations of farmers while highlighting agriculture’s role in Maryland’s economy according to its official website.
This memorandum will remain effective until 2031.
