USDA faces staff cuts as Maryland loses climate and diversity programs funding

During a recent budget work session on April 10, 2025, the Prince George - Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee addressed significant challenges facing soil conservation efforts in the county. A key focus was the impact of federal policy changes on local agricultural programs, particularly those administered by the USDA.

The meeting revealed that recent executive orders from the federal government have led to cuts in programs related to Climate Smart initiatives and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These changes are expected to create uncertainty for landowners and could result in a reduction of federal staff in Prince George's County, which would hinder the delivery of essential agricultural programs. Despite the availability of funds from the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, the anticipated loss of staff poses a serious challenge to program implementation.

In a positive development, Maryland has secured an additional $5 million in Farm Bill program money, which will help sustain some programs. However, the ongoing staffing issues raise concerns about the ability to effectively deliver these services to the community.

The committee also discussed the state budget's implications for soil conservation. Efforts to divert funds from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund, which supports technical staff, were successfully opposed through advocacy efforts. Nevertheless, the cover crop program faces a significant cut of $10 million, and the Maryland Agricultural Cost Share Program has been zeroed out for the year. This could lead to funding shortages in the future, as the current budget may not meet the needs for upcoming projects.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the precarious state of soil conservation funding and staffing in Prince George's County, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and support to ensure the sustainability of agricultural programs that benefit the local community.