Payment program
Maryland Conservation Buffer Initiative
Maryland Department of Agriculture, through local Soil Conservation Districts
What you can get
Practice-specific payments range from $500/acre for existing grass buffers to $4,500/acre for specified riparian forest buffers with pasture fencing. Forest buffers may receive an additional $1,000/acre tree bonus and up to $330/acre/year maintenance support for five years. • Payments split 75% upfront and 25% after planting verification. Confirm the applicable practice rate, width and contract requirements with the district; these are per-acre figures, not an award cap.
- Readiness
- Local office first
- Who can apply
- producer, Maryland farmers and landowners responsible for eligible streamside, ditchside or pasture adjacent land; tenants need a lease covering the buffer term or landowner agreement
- Coverage
- MD
- Deadline & timing
- Due April 30, 2027. Current 2026-2027 enrollment accepts applications November 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. Apply through the local soil conservation district; obtain approval and required plans before installation.
- Eligibility
- Must be in good standing with state/USDA cost-share programs. Land already enrolled in MACS, CRP, CREP, EQIP or mandated by an easement is ineligible. Buffer minimums, placement, maintenance and ten-year contract requirements apply; field ditches cannot receive woody buffers.
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Nov 5, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.