QUEENSTOWN, Md. — A new action plan from the University of Maryland's Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology offers a path forward for how Maryland's farmers, agricultural leaders, and policymakers can strengthen the state's agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.
The plan, Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Roadmap to Resilience, presents 13 key recommendations for supporting the long-term sustainability of Maryland agriculture. It was developed by the Hughes Center, a nonprofit affiliated with the University of Maryland (UMD), and the UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR), in partnership with a cross-sector team and with funding from the State of Maryland.
The purpose of this Roadmap is to provide Maryland farmers, the agricultural community, and policymakers with scientific and real-world recommendations to help them respond effectively to climate change.
At the heart of the Roadmap is a call for Maryland to adopt a climate-smart agriculture approach, defined as a set of agricultural practices and technologies that aim to increase agricultural resiliency. A climate-smart agricultural approach continually evaluates best management practices with the best available science to respond to challenges. The report identifies three key components of this approach:
Sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes;
Increase the agricultural sector's resilience in the face of climate-related risks; and
Reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in agricultural lands.
This Roadmap draws on a scientific assessment conducted by a multidisciplinary team of scientists from UMD, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), who assessed the current and future impacts of climate change on agriculture in Maryland. It also integrates extensive stakeholder and farmer input, ensuring that on-the-ground experiences inform the recommendations.
The 13 recommendations highlighted in the main report are distilled from these scientific findings and engagement efforts. The full scientific study, included as Appendix 1, provides dozens of detailed recommendations addressing different sectors of Maryland's agriculture industry. The report is available at go.umd.edu/ClimateSmart .
About the Hughes Center: The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Founded in 1999, its mission is to provide leadership in promoting environmentally sound and economically viable agriculture and forestry as Maryland's preferred land use through research, outreach, and collaboration.
Partner Quotes:
"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
Supporting Quotes:
"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
Key Findings and Recommendations (more details found in the full roadmap):
1. ADOPT CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND AGROFORESTRY STATEWIDE
Build on the state's current environmental efforts and prioritize climate-smart agricultural practices as an integral component of Maryland state agencies' climate implementation plans. A climate-smart agriculture approach incorporates many of the tools, techniques, practices and programs that are already employed in the state's existing efforts to address climate change. However, climate-smart agriculture is unique in that it continually considers the best available science to continue meeting productivity, adaptation and mitigation demands as the climate continues to change
2. EVALUATE AND SUPPORT ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT TO ACHIEVE CSA
Support crop diversification, incorporate ecosystem services and encourage and support practices that increase resilience. Consider new crop species and new products adapted to future climate conditions and explore new opportunities for generating on-farm income. Researchers and state agencies should develop crop varieties that are drought- and heat-tolerant, as well as resistant to emerging diseases and pests.
3. INTEGRATE THE AG SECTOR INTO STATE PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE STRATEGIES
State agencies should develop a statewide plan that integrates Maryland's goals for climate, land use, energy, water, agricultural production, and food systems in a strategic manner, accounting for the impacts and benefits, as well as potential unintended consequences, on all communities. The state should develop regional climate action plans to address the individual counties' vulnerabilities in their agricultural sectors to climate change and their specific needs.
4. BUILD AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM OF CLIMATE IMPACTS ON AG
Maryland State agencies should design and develop a climate early warning program to alert producers to conditions that will compromise or disrupt agricultural productivity.
5. CREATE A ONE-STOP SHOP OF CLIMATE ADAPTATION INFORMATION FOR FARMERS
State agencies should collaborate to establish an accessible "one-stop shop" for farmers seeking information about local, state, and federal climate-smart agriculture, conservation programs, financing, and data resources, thereby reducing confusion and facilitating informed decision-making. MDA could own and run this effort or operate through an innovative public-private partnership.
6. EVALUATE & EXPAND TARGETED CSA AG EDUCATION & OUTREACH STRATEGIES
Recognizing that some communities will be disproportionately affected by climate change and various mitigation measures, targeted outreach to these diverse audiences will be crucial for supporting climate-smart agriculture policy and promoting the adoption of recommended climate-smart practices. Farmer and agricultural representative organizations, along with UMD and UMES Extension, as well as nonprofits that engage with farmers and agricultural communities, should assist agencies in effectively reaching farmers, including those who live in historically underserved communities.
7. PRIORITIZE & INVEST IN ACADEMIC, UNBIASED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Invest in long-term research and development on climate-smart adaptive measures to ensure agricultural productivity into the future. In addition to general support for investments in research at the state government level and within MDA, academic institutions, as well as nonprofit organizations and private companies, should also prioritize investments in research.
8. EVALUATE & UPDATE AG BMPS TO STRENGTHEN CAPACITY FOR ADAPTATION
The state should continue to support and strengthen cost-share programs for BMPs and invest in research to ensure BMPs are appropriate and effective for future conditions. The Chesapeake Bay Program should systematically review current BMPs to assess their effectiveness under current and anticipated climate stressors.
9. STRENGTHEN MONITORING TO INFORM DATA COLLECTION AND ADDRESS GAPS
State agencies should support existing data collection, monitoring and predictive modeling tools, and develop new ones to fill in data and monitoring gaps that exist in the ag industry, and ensure that data is available to stakeholders in relevant and understandable formats.
10. EVALUATE, UPDATE AND FUND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT AG
Federal, state, and local governments; nonprofit organizations; and public or private partners that currently provide and administer conservation programs should ensure that these programs are fully funded and consider strengthening or expanding them. Conservation practices more resilient to climate change should be investigated and developed.
11. EVALUATE SUPPLY CHAIN AND INFRASTRUCTURE ADAPTATIONS
Federal and state policymakers should invest in infrastructure needed to sustainably increase and diversify production, such as cold storage facilities, grain elevators, meat processing facilities, irrigation systems, and waste management infrastructure.
12. CONSERVE AGRICULTURAL LAND FOR AGRICULTURAL USES
Agricultural leaders or representatives must be included in discussions of research, policy, economics, land use, environmental and any other on-the-ground implications to ensure farmers have a voice in the long-term viability of our agricultural economy.
13. STRENGTHEN FARM INSURANCE, PROTECT AGAINST FUTURE CLIMATE CONDITIONS
The state should monitor farm insurance availability and consider subsidizing insurance programs to ensure adequate coverage for all types of farmers, and not only those who grow major commodity crops. With support from Maryland's congressional delegation, the USDA could help lead federal efforts to strengthen farmer insurance.
