Agriculture Archives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agriculture / Energy / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

Practical Clarification Necessary To Balance Solar Energy Growth and Farmland Preservation

On February 26, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 683 - Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Siting (Solar Siting and Preservation Credit Act of 2026). This bill would clarify that solar projects located on certain sites within a Priority Preservation Area (PPA) count toward the five percent ground-mounted solar cap established under the Renewable Energy Certainty Act…

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March 4, 2026

Agriculture / County News / Economic Development

Montgomery To Connect Local Farmers With Institutional Buyers

Montgomery County has launched a new grant program to help small local farms sell their food to schools, hospitals, senior centers, and other institutional buyers, strengthening the region’s food system and expanding market access for farmers. The FY26 Food Aggregation Grant Program, administered by the Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), is designed to close a long-standing gap in the regional food system: strong demand from public institutions for locally grown food, and limited market access for small farms that…

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February 12, 2026

Agriculture

Cecil County Expands Agricultural Development Capacity

The Cecil County Office of Economic Development is expanding its capacity to support local farmers and agribusinesses by adding a dedicated Agricultural Business Development Specialist, reinforcing the County’s long-term commitment to strengthening its agricultural economy. The County has hired Malik J. Grace, MBA, as the new Agricultural Business Development Specialist. From the county press release: “I’m excited to join Cecil County and work alongside its farming community,” said Grace. “The county has a strong agricultural…

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February 5, 2026