DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. – A recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture highlights a concerning trend in Maryland, mirroring a nationwide decrease in farmland acreage while simultaneously noting an increase in the number of farms. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Maryland saw a reduction of over 12,000 acres of farmland from 2017 to 2022. Despite this decline, the state witnessed a rise in farms, with 121 new operations being established, underlining the resilience and expansion of small and first-generation farms in the region.
Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) President Jamie Raley emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows that our organization’s mission to strengthen and grow Maryland agriculture is needed now more than ever.” Raley reaffirmed MDFB’s commitment to advocating for Maryland farmers, aiming to ensure the viability of agriculture within the state.
The agricultural census for Maryland revealed several critical changes over the five-year period, including:
- A net increase of 121 farms.
- A decrease of 12,086 acres in farmland.
- An increase of 19,207 acres dedicated to soybean cultivation.
- A decrease of 17,409 acres used for corn production.
- A reduction of 141 broiler chicken farms.
- An expansion of 504 acres of orchards.
MDFB has been vocal about the challenges faced by farmers, particularly criticizing policies detrimental to farmland preservation, such as the allocation of prime agricultural soils for solar energy projects and the excessive taxation on agricultural outputs and properties. The bureau’s nearly 10,000 grassroots members have pinpointed right-to-farm laws, agricultural education, and wildlife management as their top concerns.
Nationally, the agriculture census unveiled a stark reduction in farm numbers and land, with 141,733 fewer farms and a loss of more than 20 million acres of farmland compared to five years prior. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall expressed concern over these findings, noting, “The latest census numbers put in black and white the warnings our members have been expressing for years.” Duvall highlighted several factors contributing to the agricultural sector’s strain, including increased regulations, rising supply costs, labor shortages, and weather-related disasters, which have led to economic sustainability challenges for many farmers.
The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, serves as a crucial tool for compiling comprehensive data on American farms generating over $1,000 annually. MDFB actively encourages its members to participate in the census, aiming to produce accurate statistics that can inform policy and decision-making processes. Further details on the census and its findings are available on the NASS website, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of American agriculture and the pressing need for supportive measures to ensure its future sustainability.
