Office of Agriculture Releases New Resource Guide on Land Preservation Programs

FREDERICK, Md. - The Frederick County Office of Agriculture is proud to announce the release of its new resource guide on Agricultural Land Preservation Programs. This updated, comprehensive guide is designed to help farmers, landowners, and stakeholders better understand the county's initiatives to preserve and protect agricultural land for future generations.

"Preserving agricultural land is critical to ensuring food security, supporting local farmers, and maintaining the rural character of Frederick County," said Katie Stevens, Director of the Office of Agriculture. "This improved resource guide is an important tool to empower our community with the information they need to participate in these programs and make a lasting impact."

The Agricultural Land Preservation office administers a variety of local, state, and federal land preservation programs focused on protecting agricultural lands. The preservation programs provide many opportunities for the farmers of Frederick County to protect the future of their farmlands and promote natural resource industries. Since the inception of these programs, Frederick County has permanently preserved 75,046 acres of land. Including Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Program districts, the total acreage preserved is 78,680 acres.

The new resource guide is part of the county's ongoing commitment to preserving farmland and promoting agriculture. It provides an in-depth overview of the county's various agricultural land preservation programs including each program's goals, accomplishments, eligibility factors and restrictions, deadlines, and stewardship requirements.

Printed copies of the resource guide can be found at the Office of Agriculture's office located at 118 N. Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701. To receive a copy of the guide, please stop by the office Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. or call 301-600-3039.

For more information about the guide or agricultural land preservation programs, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Agricultural-Preservation.

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Contact: Shannon O'Neil, Agricultural Preservation Program Administrator
Office of Agriculture
301-600-1411