Get Certified - Maryland Bay-Friendly Farm Certification Program

Learn more details in one of our Bay-Friendly Farming brochures:

Farmers volunteer to be evaluated for certification.
Bay-Friendly Farming staff work with you and your local soil conservation district (SCD) to schedule a visit to your farm to review the existing nutrient management plan, soil conservation and water quality plans, and other relevant documents and determine whether the farm complies with the certification standard.
During the visit, the Bay-Friendly Farming assessor and SCD technical staff walk the farm to verify that all resource concerns have been addressed. If additional BMPs are recommended, the farmer may elect to receive free technical assistance from the SCD to install conservation measures to address the concern, after which the certification evaluation can be resumed.
Any additional work to achieve certification is a completely voluntary choice of the farmer.

Maryland BFF certification uses a multi-part approach to evaluate stewardship:

Farms must demonstrate successful implementation of a nutrient management plan that meets state standards.

Certification also requires a high level of best management practice (BMP) implementation that address all resource concerns

A site assessment and evaluation is conducted to verify implementation of a soil conservation and water quality plan.

All streams in active pasture must be fenced.

Three-year waiver from state nutrient management inspections.
Signage at your property recognizing you as a Bay-Friendly Farm.
Recognition on the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts website and social media.
Access to marketing materials.
Access to new conservation opportunities
New for farmers with rented acres! Receive $50 per acre (up to $2,500 per farm) to develop a 5-year written lease with your landowner that includes conservation provisions.