Maryland Department of Agriculture

Maryland agriculture is vital to the long-term health of the state's economy, environment and quality of life.  Maryland farmers - like homeowners and all residents - play a key role in protecting our state's natural resources, especially the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland farmers are conservation leaders in the Bay region because they use various conservation measures to produce healthy crops and livestock while protecting the environment and maintaining profitable businesses. Well-managed agricultural land provides many more environmental benefits than developed land. 

Our farm land also provides a wide variety of fresh, nutritious food that is available locally, thereby reducing the environmental, fuel, and nutritional costs of food transportation.  To counter development pressure and to strengthen our regional food system, it is in our best interest to keep farmers farming the land.  

• Md. farmers planted a record 429,000 acres of cover crops on their farms last fall.
• MDA is hanging 500 purple triangular traps statewide as part of Emerald Ash Borer surveillance.
• Maryland is one of the first states in the nation to have a backyard kitchen garden at the Governor's house.
• Honey bees must collect from 2 million flowers to make one pound of honey.
• Maryland farmers are strong stewards of the land and water. Learn more.
• There are 52 wineries licensed in Maryland.
• MDA is a member of the Maryland Green Registry, recognized for its sustainable practices.
• Maryland has more horses per square mile than any other state in the nation.
• MDA headquarters recycled about 45.5 tons of materials last year.
• There are 90 organic farms in Maryland on 7,100 certified acres.
• There are 12,800 farms in Maryland with an average size of 160 acres.