Frederick County farmers can have their land stay in agriculture in perpetuity.
Frederick, Md (KM) Farmers in Frederick County who want to keep their land in agriculture can begin applying for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program Foundation. The MALPF program purchases easements or development rights on properties which keeps them in farming.
The Maryland Assembly approved the MALPF program in 1977. Since, then, it has preserved more than 22,000 acres of farmland in Frederick County, according to local officials. It has been called one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country. The State of Maryland, working with local partners, says it have preserved more land in perpetuity than any other state in the US.
Applicants who want to participate in the MALPF program need to contact Shannon O’Neil, Land Preservation Planner II, at 301-600-1411, or by e-mail to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is April 1st.
The County says this is one of several agricultural preservation programs managed by the Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting. Altogether, these programs have preserved more 64,207 acres of local farmland.
By Kevin McManus