Maryland Department of Agriculture

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 ​image of farm and handshake with title: Maryland Farmers Partners in the Feild YouTube link to conservation videos​​
Welcome to Your Watershed game link with image of city and farm fields with a great blue heron​​

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Resource Conservation

Riparian forest buffer with green leafy trees, blue sky and stream Photo Credit: Ecotone​​​​​​

​Th​e Office of Resource Conservation works with Maryland farmers to plan and​​ implement conservation practices and programs that balance crop and livestock production with the need to protect natural resources. The Office provides a range of educational, financial, technical assistance,​ and regulatory programs to support Maryland agriculture and protect natural resources​ and water quality for future generations.​


Four key areas comprise the Office of Resource Conservation: Nutrient Management, Conservation Grants, District Operations. and Program Planning and Evaluation. Environmental priorities include: 

CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION. The Office works with farmers to install high-priority conservation practices that will allow us to achieve Maryland's water quality goals. 

CLIMATE RESILIENCE. The Office works to integrate climate-smart farming practices into its conservation agenda through research support and increased financial and technical assistance to farmers. 

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. Everyone deserves equal access to our conservation programs and services. We continue t​o integrate environmental justice into our conservation programs. This will ensure that small, urban, minority, and underserved communities benefit from clean water, healthy natural resources, and climate change readiness.​

Learn more about our agricultural conservation programs. Watch our videos or click the links below. For a complete directory, click the arrow at the​ top of the right panel.

Nutrient Management Program (agricultural and urban)
Conservation Grants
Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program​​
​Maryland Healthy Soils Program​
Animal Waste Technology Fund
Soil Conservation Districts (free technical assistance)
Horse Owner Conservation Practices
Homeowner and Student Education Resources
Conservation Videos​​​
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Program Information

Hans Schmidt
Assistant Secretary
Resource Conservation
Phone: 410-841-5865
Fax: 410-841-5734

Office Address
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401

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Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-5700 or Dial 7-1-1 for Maryland Relay