Farmers Alliance for Rural Maryland (F.A.R.M)

The Farmers Alliance for Rural Maryland (F.A.R.M.) was founded in 2025 in response to growing concerns over the rapid loss of farmland to large-scale industrial solar fields, data centers, power lines, and warehouse developments.

The Turning Point

For years, Maryland farmers have faced mounting pressure from residential and commercial development, but the emergence of heavily subsidized, multi-hundred-acre solar projects on prime agricultural land became a tipping point. Farmers recognized that state-level policies were increasingly overriding local zoning rights, leaving rural communities with little say in how their land was used.

A pivotal meeting was held in Ruthsburg, Maryland, in early 2025, where over 30 farmers gathered to discuss how to protect Eastern Shore agriculture from the encroachment of these projects. It became clear that a unified voice was needed to push back against legislation that threatened farming’s future.

A Growing Movement

From that meeting, Farmers Alliance for Rural Maryland (F.A.R.M.) was born—a grassroots coalition dedicated to:
✅ Opposing preemption laws that strip local communities of their ability to regulate land use.
✅ Fighting legislation like SB-0931, which could accelerate the sprawl of solar fields on farmland.
✅ Educating farmers and landowners about the risks of unchecked industrial development.
✅ Advocating for policies that support agriculture while promoting responsible energy solutions.

With the launch of a website, social media pages, and community meetings, F.A.R.M. quickly gained momentum. Farmers across Maryland began organizing to push back against harmful policies and defend their right to farm.

Looking Ahead

Today, F.A.R.M. continues to grow as more Maryland farmers join the movement to protect farmland, rural communities, and local control. The alliance is actively working to engage lawmakers, inform the public, and advocate for practical solutions that balance energy needs with farmland preservation.

We believe in a future where agriculture remains the backbone of rural Maryland—not an afterthought in policy decisions. Together, we can ensure that Maryland’s farms remain protected for generations to come.

🚜 Join us in the fight to Save Maryland Farmland!