They must be based on education and cooperation, not regulation. Maryland farmers are leading the nation in environmentally sound farming practices which for the most part, have been implemented voluntarily. Most of us who remain in farming today have learned that good agriculture, by definition, protects our natural resources and the environment. Environmental stewardship is an ethic that in most cases can not be legislated. Voluntary programs win converts who will go beyond requirements.
Mandates get only what the law requires.
The tributary strategies must be credible. As recently as the late 1970s, many scientists believed that herbicides were the primary cause for the disappearance of Bay grasses. Subsequent studies proved otherwise. Important research now being conducted at the University of Maryland's Wye River Research and Education Center is identifying new, more effective agricultural practices to reduce nutrient leaching into the Bay while we keep farmers farming. Credible tributary strategies need to be based on the best science available and recognize that science is still defining and redefining what farmers, homeowners, industry, government, and the rest of society need to do to help the Bay.