Maryland Farmers Can Earn Up to $4,500 Per Acre for Planting Conservation Buffers

Washington County, MD — Farmers across Maryland have an opportunity to enhance their land and support state environmental goals through the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Buffer Initiative Program. The enrollment period for this program, which provides financial incentives for planting buffer areas along waterways, will run from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This initiative aims to contribute to Maryland’s objective of planting 5 million native trees by 2031, a goal set forth by the Tree Solutions Now Act, which seeks to deliver benefits for the climate, environment, and public health.

The program offers significant financial incentives to farmers who establish or improve buffer zones on their properties, particularly on marginal land adjacent to streams or floodplains. Eligible buffer types include forest buffers, grass buffers, and watercourse access control areas. The incentive payments vary based on the type of buffer installed, with rates ranging from $500 per acre for existing grass buffers up to a maximum of $4,500 per acre for the installation of a riparian forest buffer that includes pasture fencing.

A notable addition to the program for the 2025-2026 enrollment period is a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 per acre for farmers who plant forest buffers. This bonus is in addition to the standard incentive payments. Farmers can expect to receive 75% of the project costs upfront, with the remaining 25% disbursed after the successful verification of new or improved buffer plantings. For existing buffers that are field-verified, farmers will receive 100% of the eligible payment. Further support for forest buffers includes annual maintenance payments for the first five years, once the plantings are established. Contracts for participation in the program are available for either 5 or 10 years.

While enrolled, farmers are permitted to conduct mowing and hay harvesting for their own on-farm use. However, the application of nutrients to these buffer areas is prohibited. Free technical assistance is available from local soil conservation districts to help farmers plan and implement their buffer projects. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent upon the availability of funding. All required buffer installation work must be completed within one year of the agreement’s signing date.

Farmers interested in participating in the Conservation Buffer Initiative Program are encouraged to apply if they plan to install new buffers or enhance existing ones on land bordering waterways. Application materials and necessary forms can be accessed through the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website or obtained at local soil conservation district offices. Conservation experts are available to assist with the application process and answer any questions.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

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