What is Bay-Friendly Farming?

Conservation matters to Maryland. When local farmers go the extra mile to keep our water, farmland, and other resources healthy, their actions benefit us all.

Signs of Stewardship

When you see a farm with a sign designating them as a “Certified Bay-Friendly Farm,” that means they’re not only making it possible for us to enjoy Maryland-grown products, they’ve also voluntarily taken verified actions that keep our water, land, and air healthy.

The Maryland Association of Conservation Districts worked with partners to create the Bay-Friendly Farming program to recognize farmers who demonstrate outstanding conservation and invite everyone to take pride in and support their efforts. Farms that apply for certification are evaluated based on measures related to soil health, water quality, nutrient management, and other criteria.

Conservation matters #MarylandBFF

Do you own a farm in Maryland?

Visit the Get Certified page to learn more about this completely voluntary program and the recognition and benefits participants receive.

Get Certified as a Bay-Friendly Farm

Who Created & Administers Bay-Friendly Farming?

For more than 75 years, Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts have helped hundreds of exceptional farmer-conservationists take actions and install projects on their farms that keep our natural resources healthy. 

The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) wanted a recognition program that would be respected and valued by farmers and environmentalists alike, which is why MASCD brought together a team of agricultural and environmental experts to develop the program.

core partners

Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts 

Maryland Farm Bureau 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation 

Maryland Department of Agriculture 

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service


supported with grant funding from:

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 

Maryland Soybean Board 

Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation 

Chesapeake Bay Trust


Find & Support Bay-Friendly Farms

Check out the list of certified Bay-Friendly Farms. Some have websites where you can learn more about them or buy products, which is a wonderful way to show your support.

Learn more

Meet Program Participants

Want to learn more about the people and families who steward Maryland’s resources and connect us to locally grown products? View participant profiles to hear their stories.

Learn more
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