Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources is opening 111-acres of agricultural property for lease to farmers who use regenerative farming practices, both to expand land access and promote sustainable agriculture.
The new program, Regenerative Farming Practices and Traditions Program, aims to help farmers and take steps towards a cleaner Chesapeake Bay. The land, owned by the state, is in Montgomery County. This is the first regenerative farming lease on state-owned land. DNR is one of the largest agricultural landowners in the state, and leases around 10,000 acres of state property for farming.
“This opportunity is part of a new vision for public lands in the state of Maryland,” said Maryland natural resources secretary Josh Kurtz. “We want some of the state’s agricultural land to serve as a model for how regenerative agriculture can be done in Maryland. This will open opportunities to farmers, while also benefiting the soil and the landscape.”
Regenerative farming involves minimizing soil disturbance, keeping soil covered, planting a diversity of crops, maintaining living roots, and allowing rotational grazing for livestock where appropriate. DNR hopes incentivizing these practices will benefit farmers, communities, and the environment. The department is also asking farmers who apply for the program to include plans for public programming or recreational access.
Rob Schnabel is a watershed restoration scientist for Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland. He anticipates significant long-term benefits to the program.
“DNR’s new farming program is a model for regenerative agriculture implementation, combining land access opportunities for farmers while maximizing community and conservation benefits,” Schnabel said.
The new program launched with DNR’s first lease, available in Poolesville, Maryland. DNR is seeking applicants for this lease and is looking at more properties that would fit the needs of the program throughout the state.
The program was developed as part of the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act (HB 506). Gov. Wes Moore sponsored the legislation, which was passed in the 2025 General Assembly session. DNR may now issue longer leases to farmers, giving them more time for them to use regenerative farming systems. The CBF has been a long-time advocate for this kind of program and lobbied in support of the Bay Legacy Act.
“Maryland has long been a leader in regenerative agriculture, which is a critical tool in our fight against climate change, flooding, and droughts,” Schnabel said. “This initiative is a great example of how proven solutions that improve healthy ecosystems can be implemented and scaled across the state. It should serve as a national model for public owned farmland. We applaud DNR and Governor Moore for their leadership to make regenerative farming easier and more profitable for farmers who are leasing state land to feed their communities.”
Regenerative agriculture focuses on biodiversity and healthy soils. Benefits include water infiltration and retention, mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration, and increased biodiversity. The practice also has the economic and environmental benefit of reducing the use of costly fertilizer and herbicides. Regenerative farming also includes diversifying crops and livestock and integrating trees. These techniques help soil health and reduce pollution running into Maryland’s waterways.
Maryland farmers and leaders who would like to learn more about regenerative agriculture are invited to join CBF and Mobilize Frederick at the third annual Regenerative Farm Tour on Oct. 15 in Woodsboro, Maryland.
