EPA, State of Maryland Renew Commitment to Agriculture Through Memorandum of Understanding

EPA, State of Maryland Renew Commitment to Agriculture Through Memorandum of Understanding

April 8, 2026

PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and expand collaborative activities related to agricultural practices that benefit the environment, regulatory and compliance programs, outreach, training, communication, and education.

EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks signed the MOU at the Urban Farm Incubator (UFI) in Prince George's County, Maryland. UFI is a multi-partner initiative led through the County's Soil Conservation District.

EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks formally sign the updated agreement on April 8, 2026. (Amanda Hancher, Public Affairs, U.S. EPA Region 3)

"From the Choptank to the Chesapeake, Maryland's producers are showing that economic growth and clean water go hand in hand," said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey."This agreement between EPA and the Maryland Department of Agriculture expands urban and rural farm access to resources and advances practices that enrich soils, improve efficiency, protect waterways, and strengthen communities statewide."

The five-year agreement emphasizes a shared commitment between EPA and Maryland to well-managed, sustainable farms that produce food for local communities and a clean environment for all to enjoy.

"Maryland's farmers demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship every day," said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks."This renewed partnership with the EPA strengthens our commitment to support productive farms and a sustainable environment."

EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks stand looking at farmland with Farmer Jams of Sun Goddess Farms from the Watkins Park Urban Farm Incubator in Prince George's County, Maryland on April 8, 2026. (Amanda Hancher, Public Affairs, U.S. EPA Region 3)

Background

The MOU outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and the Maryland Department of Agriculture:

• Increase state-federal collaboration by participating in organized meetings, sharing updates, and communicating about program activities.
• Encourage transparent and recurring discussions between EPA and the agriculture community by participating in roundtables, farm tours, and events.
• Recognize, measure, and promote environmental stewardship by documenting and sharing agriculture best practices and case studies with farmers.
• Enhance regulatory compliance and improve water quality by participating in joint trainings and program assessments and refining communications on compliance and enforcement activities.

EPA and Maryland will produce an annual report to highlight collective achievements realized under the MOU and to outline plans for the coming year.

EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region (Region 3) serves Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and seven federally recognized Tribes. Follow EPA Region 3 on InstagramExit EPA's website, XExit EPA's websiteand FacebookExit EPA's website.