Read more about the article Baltimore County Streamlines Development Review, Expands Online Records Access
Rain drops rippling in a puddle
Agriculture / County News / Environment / Information Technology / Risk Management
Baltimore County Streamlines Development Review, Expands Online Records Access

Baltimore County has launched a new online groundwater records portal and standardized stormwater requirements for certain agricultural projects, expanding efforts to simplify regulatory processes and improve access to county services.   The improvements are part of Baltimore County Builds, an ongoing initiative to make development, permitting, and regulatory processes more efficient and easier to navigate for residents, businesses, and property owners. The County's new Ground Water Management Records Portal provides 24/7 access to public records…

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October 14, 2026
Read more about the article Washington County Adds 167 Acres to More Than 44,000 Acres of Preserved Land
Agriculture / County News / Environment / Planning and Zoning
Washington County Adds 167 Acres to More Than 44,000 Acres of Preserved Land

The latest agricultural easement builds on the County's broader strategy to permanently protect farmland and open space. Washington County has permanently preserved another 167.56 acres of agricultural land, bringing the total to more than 44,000 acres of permanently protected land across the county. The long-established dairy farm on Broadfording Road in Clear Spring was protected through an easement under the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF), funded by both Washington County and the state program.…

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October 1, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick County Earns National Recognition for Innovation, Public Health, and More
Agriculture / Energy / Feature / Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards
Frederick County Earns National Recognition for Innovation, Public Health, and More

Frederick County brought home three honors in the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, earning national recognition for programs addressing overdose prevention, agricultural innovation, and building energy performance. Overdose Prevention Efforts Earn Best in Category Frederick County earned Best in Category in Human Services for its “Narcan Deployment and Training Across Frederick County Significantly Reduces Overdose Rates” initiative. With overdose deaths in Frederick County decreasing each year since 2022, the County has taken a…

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August 25, 2026
Read more about the article PFAS in Rural Maryland at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
PFAS in Rural Maryland at #MACoCon

Hear how PFAS contamination poses growing public health and financial risks for rural counties and the communities they serve. PFAS contamination is a serious concern for rural counties because many residents rely on private wells and small water systems that may have limited capacity to detect, treat, or remove these persistent chemicals. Contamination can also affect agricultural soils, livestock, crops, and irrigation water, creating potential risks for the food supply and significant economic consequences for…

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July 27, 2026
Read more about the article Rural Maryland Council Seeks Input on Community Needs and Priorities
Agriculture / Broadband / County News / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development
Rural Maryland Council Seeks Input on Community Needs and Priorities

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) invites residents, business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to participate in a survey to help shape future investments and policy priorities for rural communities across the state. The survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, will help inform RMC's legislative advocacy efforts, program priorities, and future funding decisions. Feedback will also support planning for the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund and two key grant programs: the Maryland Agricultural…

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June 11, 2026
Read more about the article Prince George’s Council Looks to Boost Agritourism Through New Pilot Program
Agriculture / County News / Economic Development
Prince George’s Council Looks to Boost Agritourism Through New Pilot Program

The Prince George’s County Council is advancing a new effort to promote local wineries, farms, and agritourism destinations through targeted marketing, partnerships, and tourism initiatives. The County Council’s Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee this week advanced two resolutions that would encourage greater coordination among agricultural, tourism, conservation, and economic development organizations while launching a new Prince George’s County Agritourism and Winery Promotion Pilot Program. The initiative, introduced by Council Members Tom Dernoga and Wala…

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June 9, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick Pollinator Initiative Connects Sustainability Goals With Local Land Stewardship
Agriculture / County News / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use
Frederick Pollinator Initiative Connects Sustainability Goals With Local Land Stewardship

Frederick County and the City of Frederick have officially earned the Bee City USA designation, joining a national network of communities that use local policies and land management practices to support pollinator health and ecological sustainability. While the designation focuses on pollinator protection, local officials say the effort also connects to broader conversations around land stewardship, habitat management, sustainability planning, and environmental resilience. Bee City USA affiliates commit to supporting pollinator-friendly practices through local government…

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May 22, 2026
Read more about the article USDA Designates Nine MD Counties as Drought Disaster Areas
Agriculture / County News / Emergency Management
USDA Designates Nine MD Counties as Drought Disaster Areas

Ongoing dry conditions during the growing season led the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to designate nine Maryland counties as drought disaster areas. Allegany, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Washington counties qualify for assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Eligible farmers may apply for FSA emergency loans. The agency reviews each application based on the farm’s specific circumstances and needs. Farmers have eight months from the disaster designation…

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April 22, 2026
Read more about the article Howard County Doubles Down on Agriculture
Agriculture / County Budgets / County News / Economic Development
Howard County Doubles Down on Agriculture

Howard County is putting more money, and more long-term planning, behind local agriculture. During his annual State of Agriculture address, County Executive Calvin Ball announced $600,000 in grant funding for local farms and agricultural businesses, alongside several new initiatives aimed at strengthening the county’s agricultural economy and preserving its future. While the grant awards drew the headlines, the bigger takeaway is this: Howard County is continuing to build out a broad, county-level strategy to support…

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March 25, 2026
Read more about the article Harford Tackles What’s Next for County Agriculture
Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use
Harford Tackles What’s Next for County Agriculture

Agriculture is constantly changing and Harford County’s upcoming Agriculture Symposium promises a snapshot of the issues shaping county agriculture right now. Set for May 9, the county’s 2026 symposium titled “Rooted in Change,” will bring together farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members for a day of discussion around some of the biggest issues facing local agriculture today. And while the event is local, the themes are anything but. From emerging farm technology to business diversification…

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March 25, 2026
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