Murder Hornet ‘unlikely’ to be in Maryland, say officials

NOTTINGHAM, MD—The Asian giant hornet is most likely not in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Agriculture said it received many calls on Monday about the so-called “Murder Hornet.” The insect was found in Washington state in late 2019. The Asian giant hornet is the world’s largest hornet. It is native to temperate and tropical East Asia, South Asia, Mainland Southeast […]

How to support local farmers, restaurants during stay-at-home order

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Food and agriculture businesses remain essential under Governor Larry Hogan’s Stay at Home order; including grocery stores, farmers markets, farm stands, and restaurants offering carry-out and delivery service. In compliance with the governor’s order, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s marketing program, Maryland’s Best, is working to connect Marylanders with farmers and seafood producers providing fresh, local food products. The […]

Governor Hogan honors 2020 Century Farm families

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Monday honored six Maryland farm families during the 2020 Century Farm ceremony at the State House. This recognition is given to farms that have been owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years. This year’s ceremony included five Century Farms and one Bicentennial Farm. “Today is a celebration of agriculture, but […]

Md. Department of Agriculture issues spotted lanternfly quarantine in Cecil, Harford Counties

UPDATE: The quarantine has now been expanded to include Baltimore County. Original story below… —— ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Agriculture on Monday issued a spotted lanternfly quarantine for all of Cecil and Harford Counties. The quarantine is effective immediately and will restrict the movement of regulated articles within the quarantine zone that contain the spotted lanternfly in any of […]

Maryland submits Chesapeake Bay clean-up plan

BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland has developed a comprehensive plan for the next steps in continued progress in restoring the Chesapeake Bay. The Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan — submitted on Friday to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — was developed to meet Maryland’s pollution reduction targets by 2025 as part of a multi-state bay restoration effort. Maryland developed the plan […]

Spotted lanternfly: invasive species found in Maryland

UPDATE: A spotted lanternfly quarantine has now been issued for Harford and Cecil Counties. Original story below… —— NOTTINGHAM, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is asking residents to be on the lookout for adult spotted lanternflies. When full-grown, these invasive pests are strikingly-colored with grayish spotted front wings and red, white, and black patterned hind wings. The body […]

Governor Hogan announces statewide flood response efforts

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan has directed Maryland state agencies to coordinate and work together to keep Marylanders safe and informed following Sunday’s severe weather, which included extensive and persistent rain, major flooding, and power outages in multiple locations throughout the state. Ellicott City in Howard County was particularly devastated by this weather event, which also included significant flooding in […]

Governor Larry Hogan announces statewide response efforts for snowstorm

With winter weather affecting many areas of Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan on Wednesday directed state agencies to coordinate and work together to keep Marylanders informed. Governor Hogan is urging Marylanders to avoid unnecessary travel while crews work to clear roads as snow intensifies throughout the afternoon and early evening statewide. “I continue to urge all Marylanders to use common sense […]