USDA Accepts 2,417 Acres in Maryland Through 2026 Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment to Benefit Natural Resources, Ag Operations

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USDA Accepts 2,417 Acres in Maryland Through 2026 Conservation

Reserve Program Enrollment to Benefit Natural Resources, Ag Operations

(Annapolis, MD, July 7, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 2,417 acres in Maryland into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 2026. Through CRP, USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers agricultural producers and landowners incentive payments for their conservation efforts while benefiting their agricultural operations and protecting the nation's natural resources.

"The Conservation Reserve Program continues to demonstrate the strength of voluntary, producer-led conservation across the country," said George M. Turner, Jr, FSA State Executive Director in Maryland. "The success of the 2026 enrollment period reflects USDA's Farmers First commitment and the dedication of America's farmers and ranchers to protecting our natural resources."

Producers and landowners submitted offers on nearly 2,417 acres in Maryland. Accepted acres include participation through General CRP, Grassland CRP, and Continuous CRP initiatives that support soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and long-term conservation on working lands.

Of the nearly 2,963 acres in Maryland set to expire on Sept. 30, producers submitted re-enrollment offers for 1,900 acres. Additionally, producers submitted offers to enroll 517 acres of new land in Maryland. Counties with the highest accepted acreage include Frederick, Kent, and Queen Anne's.

USDA's CRP is one of the nation's largest voluntary conservation programs, helping agricultural producers protect sensitive land while strengthening rural communities and supporting long-term sustainability.

More Information

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the United States. Originally intended to primarily control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production, the program has evolved over the years, providing many conservation and economic benefits to farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the country.

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