ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 30, 2025) ~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the opening of the enrollment period for its Conservation Buffer Initiative, which will run from November 1st, 2025 through April 30, 2026. This program aims to support the state's tree planting goals by providing farmers with incentives to plant forest buffers along streams and waterways.

Farmers who qualify for the program will receive a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 per acre for trees, in addition to the standard incentive payment. This initiative is part of Maryland's Tree Solutions Now Act, which aims to plant 5 million native trees by 2031 in order to provide environmental and health benefits.

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks encourages farmers with marginal land next to streams or floodplains to take advantage of this opportunity. He states that planting trees in these areas can not only benefit farms but also improve local water quality.

The Conservation Buffer Initiative has been running for six years and offers attractive payment rates for three types of buffers: forest buffers planted next to waterways, grass buffers planted next to waterways or field ditches, and watercourse access control areas adjacent to pastures. Farmers can receive up to $4,500 per acre for installing a riparian forest buffer with pasture fencing.

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Under this program, mowing and hay harvesting are allowed for on-farm use but nutrient applications are not permitted. Farmers will receive 75% of the project cost upfront and the remaining 25% after verification of planting for new or improved buffers. For existing buffers that have been field-verified, farmers will receive 100% of the eligible payment.

In addition to these incentives, enrolled forest buffers will also receive a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 per acre. Annual maintenance payments are also available for forest buffers during the first five years once planting is well-established. Contracts under this program are for either five or ten years.

Farmers interested in participating in the Conservation Buffer Initiative can receive free technical assistance from local soil conservation districts. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the availability of funding. All work must be completed within one year of signing the agreement.

Application forms and more information about the program can be found on the Maryland Department of Agriculture's website or at local soil conservation district offices. Conservation experts are available at these offices to assist farmers with their applications.

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