Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: Roadmap to Resilience

"The Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Roadmap to Resilience report provides a crucial, evidence-based path forward for our state's agricultural sector. At its core, the report champions a climate-smart approach focused on sustainably boosting productivity while building resilience against climate risks. This is more than a study; it is a practical guide synthesizing the best available science with invaluable on-the-ground farmer expertise to secure the long-term sustainability and economic viability of Maryland agriculture." — Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks

“The Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Roadmap to Resilience report is an impressive collaborative effort to identify climate impacts on agriculture and recommend actions to help the industry adapt. Many of the findings from this report are consistent with the prioritized actions identified in the Next Generation Adaptation Plan that will help Marylanders create a more resilient and sustainable future. The Department of Natural Resources is committed to supporting adaptation in the agricultural sector that improves the environment and supports economic viability.” — Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz

“Agriculture is the backbone of Maryland’s economy and the heart of our heritage, but it’s also on the front lines of the climate crisis. Building a resilient future is about protecting our natural resources and the people who steward them. This roadmap proves that when we lead with science and listen to our farmers, we can create a healthier future.” — Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain

“Maryland has much to be proud of in its response to climate change, and this report strengthens that progress. It highlights the importance of integrating agriculture into statewide climate planning to ensure the industry remains both economically viable and environmentally beneficial. The report provides valuable insight for farmers, policymakers, elected officials, scientists, and anyone in the public interested in how Maryland’s leading commercial industry — agriculture — can adapt and thrive in a changing climate.” — Mac Middleton, President, Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology

“AGRIHOOD Baltimore is proud to support the Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: Roadmap to Resilience. This vital document provides the necessary framework to confront climate change head-on while simultaneously tackling food and economic inequity. For us, this Roadmap validates the critical connection: climate resilience is inextricably linked to food sovereignty and land access. By prioritizing equitable, sustainable practices, this plan empowers urban and diversified farmers, ensuring that climate action is not only effective for the environment but also for building lasting community wealth and securing a stable, healthier food supply for all Marylanders.” — Richard “Farmer Chippy” Francis, Director, Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm, also a member of the Roadmap’s Project Leadership Team

“Food production—on land and in water—is deeply tied to the health of the Bay. Regenerative agriculture not only nourishes people but also supports clean water, wildlife habitat, and climate resiliency. This report provides a roadmap on the opportunities to support farmers and other agricultural stakeholders across the state to continue to provide food in the face of our changing climate.” — Amy Jacobs, The Nature Conservancy, Maryland/DC Chesapeake Bay Agriculture Program Director, also a member of the Roadmap’s Project Leadership Team

“Our changing climate will continue to increase stressors on Maryland’s agricultural resources. The Hughes Center’s Roadmap to Resilience synthesizes expertise from scientists and farmers and provides concrete recommendations to help maintain productive agriculture in the face of these challenges. Climate-smart agriculture’s focus on sustainability offers approaches to reduce risk, increase soil health, and conserve water and nutrients — increasing their resilience and viability while protecting our natural resources, like the Chesapeake Bay.” — Chesapeake Bay Commission Maryland Director Maggie Woodward, also a member of the Roadmap’s Project Leadership Team

“Maryland Farm Bureau's mission is to strengthen and grow agriculture in the state, and the recommendations in the Roadmap to Resilience provide practical, science-based guidance that help farmers prepare for changing conditions and recognizes the realities Maryland farmers deal with every day. The report values stakeholder voices and incorporates farmer feedback to ensure solutions are grounded in real-world experience.” — Maryland Farm Bureau

“The Maryland Grain Producers Association appreciates the Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: Roadmap to Resilience for its farmer-informed, science-based recommendations that recognize both the productivity and resilience of Maryland’s grain sector. The report emphasizes the need for adaptive management, investment in research and flexible conservation programs that help farmers remain profitable while responding to changing weather, water, and pest pressures. With the right tools, data, and coordinated state support, Maryland grain farmers can continue to be leaders in stewardship and conservation.” — Maryland Grain Producers Association 

“Farmers are one of the few that must work, no matter the weather. They are some of the first to recognize the challenges that climate has on their crops or raising chickens. With this robust and in-depth research and recommendations, farmers will have additional understanding and tools to stay resilient in their livelihoods and continue to provide the food that all Marylanders need.” — Holly Porter, Executive Director, Delmarva Chicken Association

“The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-ecology protects both natural ecosystems and local farm economies through its excellent research, and Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Roadmap to Resilience is yet another example of their great work. This practical document includes workable solutions to guide Maryland agriculture into the future. Future Harvest appreciates the care taken to include local farmers in the research, and to support them with the result. We look forward to seeing the impact of these recommendations.” Grace Leatherman, Executive Director, Future Harvest

“The Rural Maryland Council commends the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology for completing the Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: Roadmap to Resilience report to support Maryland farmers and agriculture. The identification of the 13 recommendations will prepare Maryland agriculture for future economic development and we look forward to assisting in their implementation.” — Rural Maryland Council

“MARBIDCO encourages Maryland farmers, agricultural service providers, the affected agencies and research institutions, and state and local policymakers to review the Hughes Center’s very comprehensive report, and to take appropriate action toward the implementation of its 13 recommendations.” — Maryland Agriculture & Resource-Based Industry Corporation (MARBIDCO)

“Maryland farmers are at the forefront of climate-smart regenerative farming. These practices not only improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, but enhance soil health and our land’s resilience to climate change, extreme weather, and flooding. This new report will well-equip Maryland to remain a leader in climate-smart agriculture, helping farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions while still getting healthy, local food on people’s plates.” — Dr. Alison Colden, Maryland Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

“The rise in greenhouse gas emissions is affecting many sectors and communities, including Maryland’s agricultural community. This report clearly outlines the impacts climate change will have on farmers, while also highlighting the opportunities farmers have to help reduce and mitigate these effects. Supporting the agricultural community’s role is essential to our statewide efforts to address climate change.” — Kim Coble, Executive Director, Maryland League of Conservation Voters

"Maryland farmers are already experiencing many of the climate change impacts described in the report and have been taking active approaches to both mitigate and adapt to those impacts. They're national leaders in practices like cover crops and no-till management, and are eager for additional research that can increase the benefits of those practices and support decision-making that improves resilience." — Jen Nelson, Executive Director, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts