Maryland Department of Agriculture

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Resource Conservation

​ Cover Crop Sign in a field, copy Edwin Remsberg of grass

​Working for...
A Cleaner, Healthier Chesapeake Bay
Climate Smart Farming Practices
Environmental Justice


The 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 links to the left. 

​NEW: Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program​
Nutrient Management Program (agricultural and urban)
Conservation Grants
​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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