Today, the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) testified on the state of agriculture in front of the House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee. Kimmi Lyons, a cattle farmer from Harford County and MDFB Board Member, testified on MDFB’s behalf on the most pressing issues facing Maryland agriculture.

(Watch)

“Maryland agriculture feeds our communities, protects open space, and contributes billions to the state economy, but the pressures on farmers have never been greater,” said Kimmi. “By preserving funding for core agricultural programs, making thoughtful land‑use decisions, and addressing wildlife damage, the General Assembly can help ensure that farming remains viable for future generations.”

Key Policy Topics Discussed:

• Cover Crops: Consistent funding for cover crops and Maryland Ag Cost-Share Program help maintain soil health, water quality, and meet our Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals.
• Land Preservation: Lyons highlighted that demand for Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) continues to outpace available funding, urging the state to protect the program to prevent productive acreage from being lost to competing land uses.
• Balancing Energy Goals with Food Security: Addressing the state’s renewable energy goals, Lyons voiced concerns over the siting of large-scale solar projects and other energy projects, citing alternatives in lieu of our state’s finite farmland.
• Wildlife Management: MDFB is calling for stronger, more flexible deer management tools, including extended seasons and coordinated population control, to mitigate crop losses that many farmers struggle to absorb.

The hearing was chaired by Delegate Marc Korman and Vice Chair Michele Guyton. Other stakeholders providing testimony included representatives from the Delmarva Chicken Association, Horizon Farm Credit, the Maryland Grain Producers Association, and the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts.

The Maryland Farm Bureau remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the state’s agricultural industry. The organization plans to maintain regular communication with elected officials throughout the 2026 legislative session to ensure the voices of Maryland’s farm families are heard.