Understanding and Supporting Your Agricultural Allies: A Local Government Guide to the Chesapeake Bay

[Opening shot of a field of wheat.]

Agriculture provides many benefits to the community, including locally-produced food, rural character, jobs, and more.

[Shot of grain being released from a silo; shot of soybean crops waving in the wind.]

There are over 168,000 farms in the watershed states, accounting for 184,000+ jobs.

[Shot of a cornfield.]

From food security to job creation, agriculture has many benefits to your community.

[Aerial shot of forests and farmland.]

Annually, the 18 million people in the Chesapeake Bay watershed spend about $57.3 billion on food.

[Shot of vegetables being sold at a farmer’s market.]

Agriculture also contributes to community identity.

[Shot of farm fields across a mountain landscape.]

48% of Americans surveyed in 2020 would choose a rural area or town if they could live anywhere.

[Timelapse of the sun setting on a building.]

While agriculture is vital to our region, agriculture is also the single largest source of nutrient and sediment pollution entering local waterways.

[Shot of a waterway churning with suspended sediment.]

There are many ways to protect water quality and support farming.

[Aerial shot of a farm field on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay.]

Best management practices, or BMPs, are practical actions that farmers can take to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads to local waterways.

[Shot of a rocky stream bordered by trees.]

Currently, thousands of acres of farmland each year are lost to development and other changes.

[Shot of a tractor spreading soil on a valley farm at the foot of a tree-covered mountain.]

Farmers are facing rising temperatures, increased flooding, higher likelihoods of drought, and generally more unpredictable growing seasons.

[Aerial shot of a farm field whose crops are dry from drought; shot of raindrops splashing in a puddle.]

The changing climate can increase the likelihood of crops and livestock being impacted by pests, fungi, and disease.

[Shot of a farmer driving a combine tractor through a field; shot of cows in a green pasture.]

Zoning and districting are useful tools for slowing or reversing the conversion of farmland.

[Shot of a grassy streambank.]

Protecting and promoting agriculture has environmental, economic, and social benefits.

[Shot of a man walking across a wooden footbridge over a stream into an empty farm field.]

[Black screen.]

There are many decisions you can make to support your agricultural allies. Visit ProtectLocalWaterways.org to learn more.