Gov. Wes Moore is putting his support behind proposed legislation that seeks to improve water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, support regenerative agriculture, and streamline oyster aquaculture.
The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act would create the Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program and an associated fund to support environmental conservation by farmers.
The legislation would also define “healthy soils” to include “regenerative practices and traditions”; allow the holder of a tidal fish license or commercial Chesapeake Channa license to harvest and process finfish on a vessel to sell directly to restaurants without having to be licensed as a food establishment themselves; and improve water quality monitoring and data collection.
“The Chesapeake Bay is one of our state’s most powerful vehicles for economic growth and a treasured heirloom that must be protected,” Moore said in a statement. “I’m proud to introduce the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act to help us execute a comprehensive strategy that uplifts every sector of our Bay economy – from agriculture to aquaculture. Because prioritizing conservation and environmental protection isn’t just the responsible thing to do – it will also help us create jobs and build new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders.”
Under the bill, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources could make available longer term public land leases for state agricultural land to farmers who use regenerative practices and traditions to create healthy soil.
“‘Regenerative practices and traditions’ are a form of land management and stewardship approaches and practices that (1) draws on traditions and innovations from African, Indigenous, and original land stewards; (2) promotes culturally important food and climate justice programs and initiatives; and (3) enhances the land and ecosystem,” according to the legislation’s fiscal and policy note.
“The state’s leased agricultural lands provide a great opportunity to support agricultural best practices in Maryland,” said Josh Kurtz, Maryland’s natural resources secretary, in a statement. “With this reform, Maryland can partner with farmers who use regenerative techniques and provide an example on our public lands for how farms can produce healthy food that helps us reach our clean water goals of swimmable and fishable waters throughout Maryland.”
The bill would also streamline how aquaculture leases are reviewed in order to allow leaseholders to continue operations while they are waiting for their permit to be renewed.
The Maryland Department of the Environment would also be able to make oyster restoration projects eligible for water quality trading credits, with the hopes of expanding oyster restoration work.
“This legislation is driving economic growth while protecting our natural resources,” said Serena McIlwain, Maryland’s environment secretary, in a statement. “From creating hundreds of jobs through innovative aquaculture projects to boosting farm profitability and supporting tourism, these initiatives strengthen our economy and ensure a sustainable future for all Marylanders.”
Through the establishment of the LEEF Program, the Maryland Department of Agriculture would be able to provide funding to farmers who implement conservation best practices, such as riparian buffers – typically forests along a river or stream that create a separation from agricultural land and other development – and cover crops, which help manage erosion and improve soil quality.
“Enhancing our agricultural practices is vital for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and our communities,” said Kevin Atticks, Maryland’s agriculture secretary, in a statement. “The Bay Legacy Act will empower farmers to adopt sustainable methods that not only protect our waterways but also enhance food production and community engagement. By supporting best practices through the Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming Program, we are ensuring that Maryland leads the way in environmentally responsible farming while fostering a healthier ecosystem for future generations.”
