As many around the globe celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd, Maryland soybean farmers went on with business as usual. That is because for them, every day is Earth Day. Maryland farmers are leading the nation in implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to restore our earth. Emerging science has shown an achievable path for agriculture to become carbon negative. But to reach that achievement, collaboration, partnerships and investment are needed.

The Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) is pleased to be included in the over thirty companies, boards, and NGOs who have signed on to the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) Decade of Ag initiative, endorsing a shared vision for sustainable food systems. In the next decade, MSB pledges to continue working with USFRA and other organizations and leaders from across the food and agriculture value chain to accelerate bold actions, including:

  • Restoring our environment through agriculture that regenerates natural resources,
  • Revitalizing our collective appreciation for agriculture,
  • Investing in the next generation of agricultural systems, and
  • Strengthening the social and economic fabric of America through agriculture.

“We bring momentum to these outcomes from our investment of soybean checkoff dollars in research, market development, and education,” stated MSB Chair Belinda Burrier of Union Bridge. “We look forward to being part of this group of pioneers and encourage others to follow suit.”

In Maryland, farmers grow about a half a million acres of soybeans, producing more than 20 million bushels of beans each year. With a value of $173 million to the state’s economy, soybeans are one of Maryland’s top crops.

The checkoff program is funded by farmers through an assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of their soybeans at the first point of sale. One-half of the checkoff funds stay in Maryland for programs; the other half is sent to the United Soybean Board.

For more information on the Maryland Soybean Board, visit www.mdsoy.com.

# # #

Danielle Bauer Farace, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
Office: 443.812.4526
danielle@mdsoy.com