Climate-Smart Agriculture

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.  

What is Climate-Smart Agriculture?

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is defined by an integrated approach of practices, technology, and 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.

Roadmap to Resilience

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, Maryland's Climate Pollution Reduction Plan - PDF​ 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. View climate plans and reports.

Read MDA report to Maryland's Commission on Climate Change​ - PDF (Includes equity data and spending)

Climate Implementation Plan

In 2024, Executive Order 01.01.2024.19 - PDF, “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 was published in fall 2024.