Agriculture

Farms have the potential to serve as either critical filters or pathways for polluted runoff to our rivers and streams. Conventional agricultural systems often consist of mono-cropping, heavy pesticide and herbicide use, and extensive tillage of the soil. These practices strip nutrients from the soil, erode topsoil, and lead to excess soil erosion and polluted runoff. Agricultural runoff contributes roughly 60 percent of the nitrogen and 45 percent of the phosphorus entering the Bay.

Stream buffers, continuous no till, rotational grazing, conservation crop rotation, cover crops, silvopasture, nutrient management, and streamside fencing, are just a few best management practices that can improve the health of rivers, streams, and the Bay. These practices also provide co-benefits: increased soil health, sequestered carbon, and improved farm resiliency.

Regenerative agriculture describes holistic farming systems that, among other benefits, improve water and air quality, enhance ecosystem biodiversity, produce nutrient-dense food, and store carbon to help mitigate the effects of climate change. These farm systems are designed on ecologically sound principles to work in harmony with nature, while also maintaining and improving economic viability and farm resiliency.

Practices that focus on building healthy soils and maintaining permanent vegetation can reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, actively remove carbon from the atmosphere, and improve the land’s ability to withstand floods, drought, and other extremes linked to climate change.

In addition to reducing pollution, a 2022 CBF report, Agricultural Conservation Practices: Clean Water and Climate Smart Investments, found that fully funding the farm conservation practices needed to restore the Chesapeake Bay would inject $655 million annually into the region’s economy, including $269 million per year in higher earnings for businesses and workers.

CBF advocates for strong federal and state agricultural cost-share programs that help farmers adopt agricultural conservation practices by providing them with critical financial and technical support. These conservation practices are some of the most cost-effective solutions to address pollution, providing multiple environmental and societal benefits.

CBF also supports land use programs and policies that slow the loss of farmland to development and prevent sprawl.

Each spring and fall, CBF plants thousands of trees in an effort to keep farm pollution out of the Bay. Planting trees alongside streams is one incredibly effective way to keep pollution out of rivers and streams and aid streams in cleaning nutrients from the water. This practice forms what is known as a “forested riparian buffer” and when implemented on farms, greatly reduces the amount of agricultural waste in our waterways.

Increasing soil health has the dual benefits of reducing polluted runoff and sequestering carbon. CBF funds programs and initiatives that cultivate healthy soil throughout the watershed by promoting principles such as maximizing cover, minimizing soil disturbance, and increasing biodiversity. One practice that embodies these principles is rotational grazing, which involves frequently moving livestock between multiple pastures to allow plants time to regenerate, build organic matter, and create healthier soil. CBFs’ programs connect current and new grazing farmers and provides farmer-to-farmer mentoring, on-farm demonstrations, and other peer-to-peer experiences.

Located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, CBF’s Clagett Farm is a 238-acre working farm, that practices regenerative agriculture to demonstrate the benefits it has on soil health, food, and water quality. The farm has a 20-acre organic vegetable operation, grass-fed beef cattle and sheep, and a native tree nursery. 

CBF manages the Buy Fresh Buy Local Chesapeake chapter, which helps consumers, sustainable farms, and businesses connect, supporting the production and distribution of sustainably produced food that is healthy for the people, the land, and the Chesapeake Bay.

CBF supports opportunities to assist historically disadvantaged farmers in the region to implement agricultural practices to improve water quality, climate resilience, soil heath and farmers’ economic wellbeing. In conjunction with our on-the-ground efforts, CBF has also developed resource guides for beginning farmers in Pennsylvania and Maryland for finding assistance with loans, marketing, business development, conservation funding, equipment, and other needs.

Supporting farmers that are implementing environmentally sound and beneficial practices is a great way to make your consumer dollars have an impact. Supporting local farms also has the potential to decrease the environmental footprint of your food. Wondering where to start? Check out our Buy Fresh Buy Local Food Guide.

Want to get your hands dirty while learning about regenerative agriculture? From May through November, volunteers are welcome to help plant, weed, and harvest. See our calendar for available dates and information.

Each spring and fall, CBF plants thousands of trees in an effort to keep farm pollution out of the bay. Learn more about upcoming tree plantings and how you can join us on our events calendar.

Passed only once every five years, the federal Farm Bill is a package of legislation that has far-reaching impacts on the way food is grown, and the health of our communities and our waterways. Farmers across the watershed have used the Farm Bill conservation programs to convert to more environmentally friendly practices, bringing them healthier soil and increasing their bottom lines.