Public News Service

The Environmental Working Group said multiple studies indicate pesticide levels in the body drop when people adopt an all-organic diet. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Report: 75% of conventionally grown produce has pesticide residue

Marylanders shopping for fresh produce may want to consider a new report that finds chemical residues in much of the crop. In its 2024 "Shoppers …

Global warming is impacted by atmospheric ammonia and nitrogen oxides, both from animal waste and fertilizers. (Adobe Stock)

NASA grant funds study on impact of farming techniques on greenhouse gases

NASA-funded research using satellites to study atmospheric nitrogen will examine how different farming approaches affect greenhouse gas emissions…

Measurements of electrical conductivity indicating elevated salinity is affecting the soil hundreds of meters from visible salt patches. (Rebecca Epanchin-Niell)

Study: Thousands of acres of MD farmland facing saltwater intrusion

Researchers have found the amount of land affected by saltwater intrusion on the Delmarva Peninsula has dramatically increased in recent years…

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program was established in 1977. (Xavier Ascanio/Adobe Stock)

Maryland Adds 1400 Acres of Preserved Farmland

The Maryland Board of Public Works recently approved the preservation of several working farms. The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation …

In addition to helping capture carbon in the soil, no-till farming practices with seasonal cover crops help preserve soil nutrients and prevent erosion. (Margaret Burlingham / Adobe Stock)

U.S. Carbon Farming Takes Root, but Do Economics Add Up?

By Carey L. Biron for Context.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Context/Solutions Journalism Network/…

The Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative is estimated to have created or retained more than 39,000 jobs since 2015.(Adobe Stock)

Garrett County, MD Wins Grant for Broadband Expansion

The Appalachian Regional Commission has announced its 2022 POWER grant awards, and Garrett County Maryland is on the list. The POWER program focuses …

A new report showed fully funding the pollution-reduction efforts needed to restore the bay would add $655 million annually to the regional economy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Maryland Could See Economic Benefit from Farm Conservation Practices

A new study out this week reports Maryland could realize economic benefits from agricultural conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region…

Maryland is a leader in the regenerative farming push through its Million Acre Challenge, a goal to convert half of Maryland's agricultural land to healthy soil by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Fighting Chesapeake Bay Pollution through Regenerative Farming

Chesapeake Bay states have until 2025 to implement watershed pollution-reduction practices, and a new report shows "climate-smart" farming in …

Over the past 30 years, nutrient and sediment pollution has been reduced by half in Chesapeake Bay, but more needs to be done to meet federal cleanup goals for the watershed. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Farm Bureaus Urge USDA to Back New Chesapeake Cleanup Plan

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Farm bureaus and agricultural leaders of Chesapeake Bay watershed states are pushing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund a …

Folks in Maryland need to look out for European Gypsy moths before they damage plants and trees. (John H. Ghent/USDA Forest Service)<br /><br />

Venture Into Your Yard to Check for Invasive Pests

ANNAPOLIS -- While most people continue to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it's a good time to check …

The Chesapeake Bay watershed needs to reduce its phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment pollution by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

MD Conference to Focus on Cleaning Up Chesapeake Bay

BALTIMORE – Stream recovery projects are a cornerstone in helping to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and people at the …

A new report says Chesapeake Bay is in danger of increased pollution from rivers and streams in its watershed. (JamesDeMers/Pixabay)

Chesapeake Bay Report Shows More Pollution

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Chesapeake Bay became more polluted last year for the first time in a decade, according to a new report from the Chesapeake Bay …

Pumpkins for sale at Maryland stores are more likely to be trucked in from other states this year, as record rainfall squashed the pumpkin-growing season. (Grantbahk/Pixabay)

Maryland's Pumpkin Crop Drowns in Soggy Summer

PARKVILLE, Md. – You may notice higher prices for pumpkins this Halloween. Some Maryland farmers are being forced to buy the popular gourds out …

The U.S. Postal Service delivers to more than 157 million addresses in the U.S. and employs more than 500,000 Americans at 30,000 outlets. (Pixabay)

U.S. Postal Service: Too Popular to Privatize?

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – President Donald Trump's announced intention to reform the U.S. Postal Service in April landed with a thud, and now, six …

If Congress doesn't pass a new Farm Bill before the existing bill expires on Sept. 30, many programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be stranded without funding. (Pixabay)

Debate Over SNAP Work Rules Slows Farm Bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Congress may not be able to finish the farm bill by the end of the month, when the old one expires. One deadlock is a …

While residential use of chlorpyrifos is banned in the US, only Hawaii has halted its use in agriculture. (Pixabay)

Labor, Environmental Groups Seek Ban of Chlorpyrifos

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A federal judge heard final arguments Monday in a case challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's decision not to ban a …

According to Earthjustice, every day starting at dawn, teenage and adult farmworkers labor by hand in fields covered with toxic pesticides. (Pixabay)

MD Farmworkers Sue EPA Over Pesticide-Training Materials

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Farmworkers are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to make pesticide safety training mandatory across …

A provision in the GREENER Fuels Act protects wildlife habitat by enforcing existing land protections to prevent converted land from qualifying as a source of biofuel material. (Pixabay)

Reforming Ethanol Mandate Could be Win for Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A bill to reform the biofuels mandate is being hailed by environmental groups as a way to protect wildlife, drinking water and …

The National Chicken Council says allowing poultry processors to operate at faster speeds would not create food-safety issues. (Pixabay)

Poultry Industry Proposes Speeding Up Slaughter Times

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The poultry industry is proposing changes that would allow faster line speeds in factories. But opponents are asking what the …

World Health Organization recommendations aim to help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics in human medicine by reducing their unnecessary use in animals. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Will New Maryland Law Change Antibiotic Use on Farms?

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Starting in January, Maryland becomes the second state in the nation to restrict the routine use of antibiotics in animals…

Research has shown the same pesticides that are wiping out bees are impacting hummingbirds as well. (foe.org)

Birds and Bees Responsible for 1 of Every 3 Bites of Food

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – As we enjoy the late-summer crops produced in this country and around the world, advocates are hoping everyone will take time …

Many chickens that are sold at the local feed store come from large factory farms. (cdc.gov)

Hand-Washing Crucial in Homes with Backyard Chickens

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Nearly 1,000 people across the country have become ill this year from salmonella connected to backyard flocks of chickens, ducks and …

Grassland birds suffered a nearly 50 percent population drop before easements were introduced in 2003. (nwf.org)

Farm Bill Conservation Programs Help Maryland's Birds

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – While the Farm Bill is crucial policy for agriculture, it's also quite literally for the birds. The "State of the Birds 2017…

Too much carbon dioxide in the air is robbing crops of nutrients. (usda.gov)

Study: Climate Change Impacting Crops

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A report that looks in depth at how climate change is robbing crops of nutrition says there will be more hungry people and …

Clean drinking water in several states is reliant on government funding for Chesapeake Bay. (Fish and Wildlife Service)

Trump's Plan to Cut Chesapeake Bay Funding Likely Dead in the Water

BALTIMORE – Those who love Chesapeake Bay are hopeful this week that despite President Donald Trump's promise to cut funding this year to help p…

Grant money gets communities involved in keeping water flowing into Chesapeake Bay clean. (cbtrust.org)

Communities Strive to Keep Bay Clean

BALTIMORE – More financial support for on the ground environmental restoration programs is on the way to Maryland counties that surround Chesape…

Wildlife habitat is being lost near biofuel sites in the U.S. (nwf.org)

Grasslands Being Destroyed by Biofuel Production

BALTIMORE — Wildlife habitat near corn ethanol refineries has been destroyed at a fast pace since a federal law was passed to produce more biofu…

Opposition is mounting to proposed mega-mergers of chemical companies. (foe.org)

Sessions Urged to Oppose Mega Mergers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Nearly 325 organizations have signed a letter pressing new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to make sure the Justice …

Advocates say equal access to the Internet could be threatened by President Donald Trump's pick to head up the FCC. (fcc.gov)

Will Trump's FCC Pick Quash Net Neutrality?

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guaranteed equal access to the Internet two years ago, when the regulatory agency …

Stormwater pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is harmful to wildlife. (USGS)

Grant Program Designed to Keep Bay Clean

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - You can't always see pollution, and many times it comes from places you wouldn't expect. One major type of nitrogen pollution in …

Honeybee colonies in the United States declined dramatically last year, and advocates say that's not sustainable for agriculture in the U.S. (USDA)

Report: Bees Continue to Decline in U.S.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - U.S. beekeepers have reported losing nearly 44 percent of their colonies over the last year, according to an annual report just out…

Asthma and allergies are increasing in the United States. Researchers say we may be too clean and suggest kids be exposed to pets at an early age. (Brad Robinson)

Spikes in Allergies, Asthma Blamed on Good Hygiene

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - All the runny noses and itchy eyes tell us it's allergy season in Maryland. From April to June, grass pollen creates problems for …

Reducing pollution benefits fish and wildlife throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Credit: Mary Hollinger, NOAA/commons.wikimedia.org

Maryland Groups Receive Environmental Grants

BALTIMORE - Maryland groups will be receiving part of a record $11.5 million in grants for restoration, conservation and environmental outreach in …

The EPA erred in allowing a bee-killing pesticide, sulfoxaflor, on the market, according to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Credit: Deborah C. Smith.

Federal Court Not Sweet on Bee-Killing Pesticide

WASHINGTON - A pesticide that kills bees should not have been cleared for agricultural use by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a …

Chesapeake Bay Conservation Corps members planting trees. The corps class of 2016 is being announced today. Photo courtesy: Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Chesapeake Conservation Projects Get a Young Infusion

EDGEWATER, Md. – It's a tough job, but one so popular it's been expanded every year since 2010. Forty-one young men and woman ages 18 to 25 …

PHOTO: The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation effort that encourages farmers to address resource concerns in new and innovative ways. Those farmers whose contracts are up this year must renew by Sept. 12 to continue with the program. Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Conservation Stewardship Program Deadline Approaches

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Time is running out for some Maryland farmers who want to continue receiving federal assistance to improve soil, water, air and …

PHOTO: The Country-of-Origin Labeling law for meat is being challenged by foreign countries and some U.S. organizations. Photo credit: Monique Coppola

COOL Targeted by Foreign Countries

BALTIMORE – Country-of-Origin-Labeling, or COOL, requires labels on meat sold in the U.S. to clearly state where that meat comes from. And it …

PHOTO: Organic farmers are finding few effective weapons for wiping out this year's bumper crop of stink bugs. Photo credit: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/

Stink Bug Invasion Threatens Local Sustainable Farming

HARWOOD, Md. - The stink bug invasion is on, and sustainable, pesticide-free growers such as Blue Tomato Farms in southern Maryland are becoming …

PHOTO: The Maryland Department of Agriculture is promoting local dairy farms that make their own ice cream. PHOTO CREDIT: MDA

As American as...Local Ice Cream

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - It could be the coolest thing you do this weekend. July is National Ice Cream Month, and Maryland has created an ice cream trail to …

PHOTO: The EPA and Chesapeake Bay Foundation are announcing a deal to reduce pollution from animal feedlots in the Chesapeake Bay region. Photo credit: EPA

Breaking News: New Federal Scrutiny of Poultry Poop ...

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland's livestock and poultry farms are facing new federal scrutiny. Under an agreement announced late Wednesday between the …

Photo: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources warns against approaching fawns. Photo credit: DNR

The Fawns are All Right

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – There's a deer baby boom happening in Maryland right now. This is the time of year when most fawns are born, and the …

PHOTO: The average American throws out about 20 pounds of food a month, which ends up costing $300 to $500 a year. Photo credit: John Michaelson

$25 Trashed per Month in Family Food Wasted

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Imagine tossing about $25 into the trash can every month. It happens in Maryland and across the nation as Americans throw out about 2…

Legal Aid: Many MD Farmworkers Cut Off From Legal Help

BALTIMORE - Harvest season is under way in Maryland, and as farmworkers dig in so do human rights watchdogs. Wage theft, unsanitary conditions and …

Tax Time Help for the Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay turns out to be a tax issue. This week of course is crunch time for taxes, and while Marylanders may …

Many Marylanders Find Themselves Living in a "Food Desert"

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - If your weekly trip to the grocery store is quite a trek, you are not alone. A new study finds that Marylanders in both cities and …

"O Christmas Tree" – Real Trees Back in Style in MD?

STREET, Md. - 'Tis the season to decide on a Christmas tree in Maryland, and those in the real tree industry report a big jump in business this year…

Maryland Hay Bank: “Food Bank” for Horses

MOUNT AIRY, Md. - A new type of food bank is open in Maryland - one which focuses on four-legged needs. The Maryland Hay Bank in Mount Airy began …

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MD: Rural/Farming