ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On May 13, 2025, Governor Wes Moore signed the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act into law, joined by Maryland Department of Agriculture officials. The legislation, passed by the Maryland General Assembly, seeks to enhance Chesapeake Bay water quality, promote sustainable agriculture, and drive regional economic growth. A centerpiece of the Act is the Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) program, which recognizes farmers for conservation and community-focused practices.
The LEEF program establishes a tiered system to honor farmers employing best management practices, such as riparian buffers, precision nutrient management, and emerging technologies. It also rewards community engagement through activities like land preservation, food bank donations, on-farm research, and participation in farmers markets. By offering incentives, the program encourages farms to adopt innovative practices and advance through tiers, fostering environmental stewardship and community ties. Farmers enrolled in LEEF will gain access to resources and recognition for their contributions to both agriculture and Bay health.
“The creation of the LEEF program will not only provide Maryland farmers with attractive incentives for using and sustaining the best management practices they already integrate into their operations, it will forge further engagement between the agricultural sector, the community, academic researchers, and conservation partners as we explore new tools and practices on the horizon,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “I thank Governor Moore for being a leader in Chesapeake Bay health, while ensuring the state’s farmers thrive.”
Maryland’s agricultural sector, which generates over 350,000 jobs and contributes more than $8 billion annually to the economy, has long been a leader in conservation. Farmers have adopted practices that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed, improving water quality and supporting local communities. The Act builds on these efforts by promoting science-based solutions in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Environment and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This holistic approach aims to ensure a healthier watershed while supporting the state’s agricultural industry.
The LEEF program is designed to be accessible to Maryland’s diverse farms, offering a consistent framework to measure environmental and community impact. Farmers can learn more about eligibility and benefits through the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website. Additional inquiries can be directed to LEEF.MDA@maryland.gov.
The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act reflects Maryland’s commitment to balancing environmental and economic priorities. By investing in programs like LEEF, the state aims to reward farmers who lead in conservation while ensuring the long-term health of the Bay. The legislation aligns with decades of efforts by farmers to adopt sustainable practices, positioning Maryland as a model for integrating agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Historically, Maryland has prioritized Chesapeake Bay restoration, with farmers playing a pivotal role. Their adoption of conservation techniques has reduced nutrient runoff and improved water quality, benefiting the 18 million people in the Bay’s watershed. The Act strengthens these efforts by providing structured incentives and fostering partnerships across state agencies, ensuring that agricultural innovation continues to support both the environment and local economies.
