Farmers can earn up to $1,000 per acre for new forest buffer projects
Maryland farmers have a new opportunity to earn financial support for conservation projects through the state's Conservation Buffer Initiative.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that eligible farmers can receive a one-time signing bonus of $1,000 per acre for planting new forest buffers next to cropland and waterways on working farms. Applications will be accepted from Nov. 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, at local soil conservation district offices.
The program supports Maryland's environmental goals while helping farmers adopt conservation practices that benefit their operations and surrounding communities. It also contributes to the state's broader tree-planting effort, which aims to increase the number of native trees across Maryland and improve water quality, climate resilience, and public health.
The Conservation Buffer Initiative has been available for seven years and continues to encourage producers to install buffers along streams, ditches and cropland. These buffers help reduce soil erosion, protect waterways from nutrient runoff, and improve wildlife habitat.
“Maryland farmers have shown their dedication to conservation, and this additional incentive makes practices such as planting forest buffers more achievable," said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. "Protecting our land, water and the Chesapeake Bay is everyone's responsibility and we are proud to invest in farmers who turn that shared commitment into action.”
Three types of conservation practices are eligible for assistance through the program. These include forest buffers planted along waterways beside cropland; grass buffers located beside waterways or field ditches, and watercourse access control areas adjacent to pastures.
In addition to the new signing bonus, participants may receive annual maintenance payments for established forest buffers during the first five years of a contract. Farmers can choose agreements lasting either five or ten years, providing flexibility to match their farm management plans.
Payment rates vary depending on the conservation practice selected. Existing grass buffers may qualify for payments starting at $500 per acre, while new riparian forest buffer projects that include pasture fencing can earn up to $4,500 per acre.
Another important advantage of the program is the availability of free technical assistance. Local soil conservation districts help producers plan projects, complete applications, and implement approved conservation practices. This support can help simplify the installation process and improve project success.
The initiative also offers financial support during project implementation. Seventy-five percent of approved project costs are paid upfront, with the remaining portion distributed after project verification. Existing buffers that meet program requirements may qualify for a full upfront payment.
Program rules are designed to maintain environmental benefits while allowing practical farm use. Nutrient applications are not permitted within enrolled buffers. However, producers may mow buffer areas and harvest hay for use on their farms.
All approved projects must be completed within one year of signing an agreement. This timeline helps ensure conservation practices are installed quickly and begin delivering environmental benefits.
A new feature introduced this year allows farmers and landowners to re-enroll expiring grass buffer contracts for an additional five-year period. This option helps maintain successful conservation projects and extends their positive impact on water quality and land stewardship.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is limited. Farmers interested in establishing new buffers or improving existing ones are encouraged to contact their local soil conservation district for information about eligibility and enrollment requirements.
Through increased incentives, technical assistance and flexible contract options, Maryland's Conservation Buffer Initiative continues to support farmers who want to strengthen conservation efforts while maintaining productive agricultural operations.
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