The Maryland Department of Agriculture has named Elizabeth Hoffman as Program Manager for the state’s new Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program. This statewide program will recognize and reward conservation efforts, promote effective implementation, and honor Maryland farmers who adopt practices that benefit both the community and the agricultural industry.
“Elizabeth brings experience and enthusiasm to her new position with LEEF,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Her experience with Chesapeake Bay restoration strategies, understanding of conservation programming and partnerships across the watershed, and the need to support and include our state’s diverse farming operations as part of that work, make her a great fit for this role,” he said.
Hoffman steps into her new role after serving as the Watershed Strategies Administrator for the Office of Resource Conservation since 2018. Over the past year, she has worked with MDA staff and stakeholders to develop the LEEF program’s framework, establish key partnerships, and facilitate farmer feedback.
LEEF is a tiered recognition system that rewards farmers for a high level of commitment to conservation practices and community engagement. Established by the 2025 Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, LEEF certification rewards farmers for their soil and water conservation efforts through the use of best management practices. The program also recognizes community-focused practices such as land preservation, supporting local food system resilience, advancing industry research, mentoring new and beginning farmers, and more, as part of a farm’s well-rounded portfolio of stewardship.
Source : maryland.gov