The Maryland Board of Public Works approved 27 new Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements during their October 4 meeting. The easements will permanently preserve 4,600 acres of prime farmland in Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Wicomico counties, for an investment of more than $16.9 million. “Preserving Maryland farmland is incredibly beneficial to its citizens,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “By preventing irreversible conversion of farmland to other uses, we protect our local food supply and our local economy. I am grateful to the landowners that volunteered to preserve these 4,600 acres of farmland.”
The Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundationwas established in 1977 as part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.The foundation purchases agricultural preservation easements from willing farmers to forever protect prime farmland and woodland. To view a list of the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements broken down by county, see this list. The newly-approved easements will help the state meet its newly-enacted goal of conserving 30% of state land by 2030. The new goal went into effect on October 1st in accordance with the Maryland the Beautiful Act as passed in the 2023 Session by the Maryland General Assembly.
One-third of Montgomery County, or 93,000 acres, is designated as the county’s Agricultural Reserve. This unique area of contiguous farmland has special characteristics:
- The zoning of the Agricultural Reserve (AR zone) limits development to one house per 25 acres;
- 70,000 acres, or 75% of the land area within the Ag Reserve, is further protected through permanent easements that restrict residential, industrial, and commercial development;
- 558 farms remain viable in a county with high development pressure and cost of living;
- 454 farms produce table food crops or products, allowing county residents to enjoy locally produced food;
- 10,000 horses provide competitive and recreational opportunities for County residents;
- Views of thousands of acres of rural landscape enjoyed by tourists, bicyclists, hikers, artists, and other visitors
Courtesy of the Maryland Department of Agriculture
Recent Stories
Montgomery Village came about when Clarence Kettler asked his brothers, Milton and Charles, to join him in creating Kettler Brothers Incorporated with the vision of building a “special town.” The…
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision with rollover on Sunday, May 19, in Bethesda. According to MCFRS Battalion Chief Jason Blake, the incident occurred…
Montgomery County Police responded to a shooting on Sunday, May 19, in Clarksburg.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision with entrapment on Sunday, May 19 in Fairland.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.