Agriculture Archives

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

Queen Anne’s Announces Round 6 of Grant Program To Support Local Ag

Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development (QACETD) is now accepting applications for Round 6 of the Upper Shore Micro Ag Grant Program. The program awards competitive, cost-reimbursable grants to support local agricultural businesses seeking to expand, diversify, strengthen marketing, complete capital improvements, or pursue agricultural research. Funding for this initiative is made possible through the Upper Shore Regional Council and the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners. Approximately $69,000 is available in FY2026 funding. Individual grant…

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January 27, 2026

Agriculture / Environment / Feature / News You Can Use

Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation Now Accepting Applications

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Program is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Easement Cycle. Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 50 contiguous acres, land outside of the 10-year water and sewer plan for the county, and a minimum of 50% Class I, II or III soils. For more information on eligibility and the MALPF easement acquisition process, visit https://mda.maryland.gov/malpf/Pages/Fact-Sheets.aspx The mission of MALPF is: to preserve productive farmland and woodland for the…

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January 15, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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