Climate-Smart Agriculture

Climate-Smart Agriculture Main_Content ​Climate-Smart Agriculture at MDA Agriculture is Maryland’s largest commercial industry and rooted deeply into the history of the land. It provides approximately $8.5 billion annually, employs over 300,000 individuals, and encompasses 32% of the state’s total land. Maryland’s farmers have always been ahead of the game. They’ve led the way in adoption of climate-smart agriculture and conservation practices, such as diverse cover cropping and conservation tillage, for decades. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is defined by an integrated approach of land management. These pillars work together to sustainably increase agricultural productivity, address sector resilience, and offset greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. CSA doesn’t set out to create new sustainable farming methods, but focuses on adaptation and developing new technologies. Published in January 2026 by Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, the Roadmap to Resilience​ ​, presents a holistic view of the industry across the state, the climate vulnerability and challenges facing it, and how we move forward and plan for the future. The report identifies 13 priority recommendations to help Maryland prepare for the future of agriculture. With the release, MDA is ready to set new priority actions from among the recommendations, along with timelines and resource needs, as we continue developing our Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Annual Climate Reports: State Law requires Maryland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 60% by 2031, from a 2006 baseline; and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Released in December 2023, The Climate Pollution Reduction Plan​ sets a strategy for each sector of Maryland’s economy. In accordance with § 2–13​05 ​ of the Environmental Article, MDA reports the status of programs that support the State’s GHG reduction efforts and address climate change. MDA’s past annual reports may be found by clicking this link . Climate Implementation Plan: In 2024, Executive Order 01.01.2024.19, “Leadership by State Government: Implementing Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan,”  was issued and directed agencies to submit agency-specific Climate Implementation Plans (CIP). MDA’s CIP focused on the co-benefits of our programs to address multiple environmental concerns and outcomes. Two key strategies we focused on included: Increasing carbon sequestration through increased adoption of best management practices, such as conservation tillage, nutrient management, and diverse cover crops. We are also working towards the expansion of our agroforestry programs. And; Addressing on-farm GHG emissions. We’ve prioritized nutrient management and nutrient application initiatives. MDA’s plan, published in fall 2024, may be found at this link . Center_Content