Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Environmental Finance Center’s Rural Offerings
Agriculture / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Environmental Finance Center’s Rural Offerings

At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees learned about how UMD's Enviro. The Finance Center can help rural counties secure additional resources. MACo’s Rural County Coalition provides a forum for Maryland’s rural counties to share their unique perspective on critical state and federal policy issues. At this meeting, the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center walked through services and opportunities to help rural leaders access grant funding and other resources to better serve their communities. Additionally, rural…

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December 16, 2025
Read more about the article SDAT Proposes New Regs for Woodland Ag Assessments
Agriculture / County Budgets / County News / Taxes and Revenues
SDAT Proposes New Regs for Woodland Ag Assessments

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) has proposed changes to the agricultural use assessment for woodland, now published in the Maryland Register. Maryland’s agricultural use assessment assigns a lower assessed value to farmland and qualifying woodland than to market-rate property. The goal is to keep land in active farm or forestry use. The draft regulation states that woodland must include at least five contiguous acres to qualify. Additionally, landowners cannot combine smaller parcels…

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December 4, 2025
Read more about the article Howard County Farmers Share Insights on Food Access and Sustainability
Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / Environment
Howard County Farmers Share Insights on Food Access and Sustainability

Howard County Food Council (HCFC) hosted two focus groups with local farmers to better understand their perceptions, beliefs, and experiences around growing, raising, and distributing food in Howard County.  Currently, one in five Howard County residents is impacted by food insecurity, according to the 2024 Howard County Health Assessment Survey. From the county press release:  “The Howard County Food Council represents a shared commitment to understanding and strengthening our local food system,” said Dr. Maura Rossman, Health…

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October 16, 2025
Read more about the article 43,000 Acres and Counting: Washington County’s Preservation Success
Agriculture / County News / Environment / News You Can Use
43,000 Acres and Counting: Washington County’s Preservation Success

Washington County Government has announced the continued success of its longstanding commitment to land preservation. Since the establishment of the County’s land preservation program in 1981, nearly 43,000 acres of rural land have been permanently preserved, representing approximately 14.5% of Washington County’s total land mass. From the county press release: “Preserving land in Washington County is a long-term investment in our community’s future,” said Jill Baker, Director of Planning & Zoning. “These programs protect productive…

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October 2, 2025
Read more about the article Testing Confirms Third Avian Flu Detection in Anne Arundel Backyard Flocks
Agriculture / Health and Human Services
Testing Confirms Third Avian Flu Detection in Anne Arundel Backyard Flocks

Maryland officials have confirmed a presumptive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in an Anne Arundel County backyard flock. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is taking swift action to contain the virus and protect poultry producers statewide. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed a presumptive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Anne Arundel County. This is the third detection in the county this year. Samples have been sent…

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September 22, 2025
Read more about the article Paul Ellington Leads USDA Rural Development for MD and DE
Agriculture / Economic Development
Paul Ellington Leads USDA Rural Development for MD and DE

Late last week Paul Ellington was named USDA's State Director for Rural Development in Maryland and Delaware.  Last week, Paul D. Ellington, a long-time advocate and representative of county governments, was named State Director for Rural Development in Maryland and Delaware. A Maryland native, Paul served on the Bowie City Council, as Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party, and as Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Michael Steele. Additionally, Paul was the founder of State…

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August 26, 2025
Read more about the article Former MACo Member Mac Middleton Rejoins Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology
Agriculture / County News / Environment / Leadership
Former MACo Member Mac Middleton Rejoins Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology

The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology has welcomed the return of former state Senator Mac Middleton, a farmer and longtime public servant from Charles County, as the Center's Board President.  "I resigned from the Board in order to be the caregiver of my wife, who was diagnosed with cancer. Joanie passed almost a year ago, and when asked to return as president of the Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, it was a welcome invitation…

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August 7, 2025
Read more about the article USDA Designates Drought Disaster Zones Across MD — Support Available
Agriculture / County News / Emergency Management / News You Can Use
USDA Designates Drought Disaster Zones Across MD — Support Available

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated several Maryland counties as natural disaster areas due to prolonged drought conditions, unlocking emergency assistance for local farmers. Washington, Frederick, and Harford counties received primary disaster designations, making farms in those jurisdictions directly eligible for USDA’s emergency loan programs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Additionally, the USDA extended eligibility to adjacent counties, including Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Howard, Kent, and Montgomery. This designation provides a critical…

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June 18, 2025
Read more about the article Carroll County Launches Agritourism Passport Program
Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / Environment / Tourism
Carroll County Launches Agritourism Passport Program

Carroll County Economic Development has launched the 2025 Carroll County Agritourism Passport Program! This inaugural passport program is a guide to discovering the best of Carroll County’s agritourism — from local farms and fresh foods to unforgettable seasonal experiences. The program is intended for residents, visitors, children, adults, individuals, or families. The passport encourages exploration, supports local farms, and showcases the region's rich agricultural heritage. There are over 20 participating sites across the county. From…

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June 13, 2025
Read more about the article St Mary’s New Initiative Showcases Local Agriculture, Seafood, and Forestry Products
Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / Environment / News You Can Use
St Mary’s New Initiative Showcases Local Agriculture, Seafood, and Forestry Products

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have announced the continued implementation of the Department of Economic Development’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy with the launch of the St. Mary’s County Agriculture and Seafood Brand—a new initiative to showcase and promote locally produced agriculture, seafood, and forestry products. “This brand is more than just a logo—it’s a promise of authenticity and a celebration of our local businesses,” said Chris Kaselemis, Director of the Department of Economic Development.…

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June 12, 2025
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