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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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

The misuse of antibiotics in meat production puts human health at risk. (usda.gov)

Avoiding Antibiotics in Food? Check Out this List

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A new nationwide report ranks the top 25 restaurant chains for their antibiotics policies and practices. At issue is the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Sea levels are expected to rise another foot by 2050, causing flooding and loss of wildlife habitat.(fws.gov)

Changing Tides: Seaboard Should Prepare for Sea-Level Rise

BALTIMORE – Climate change already has had an impact on wildlife and communities along the Chesapeake Bay and on the East Coast, according to a …

Home gardeners are being urged to step up the pressure on stores that don't sell

Retailers are "Bee-ing" More Friendly to Bees

BALTIMORE - Some good news for bees, as new tests find significant decreases in the use of bee-killing pesticides on "bee-friendly" plants. Friends …

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…

Hilton Worldwide says it will begin to eliminate the use of cages for egg-laying hens and gestation crates for breeding pigs from its global supply chain. Credit: gellinger/Pixabay.com.

Hilton Hotels Go "Cage-Free"

BALTIMORE - Hilton Worldwide, one of the largest resort and hotel chains in the world, has announced it will eliminate the use of cages for egg-…

PHOTO: When it comes to Christmas trees, the trend in recent years has been an uptick in folks choosing

Holiday Decision Hangs on the Tree: Artificial or Real?

STREET, Md. - Holiday decisions include "real or artificial" when it comes to a Christmas tree. In Maryland, Wilma Muir, owner of Deer Creek Valley …

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: 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 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…

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MD: Sustainable Agriculture and Farming