ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved 14 new easements through the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation, permanently protecting roughly 1,474 acres of prime farmland across Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington counties, officials reported.
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks told reporters that the new easements highlight the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting local farmers, strengthening food security, and safeguarding natural resources for both current and future generations. “Protecting our farmland is crucial for maintaining Maryland’s agricultural heritage,” Atticks said. “By making this investment today, we are setting the foundation for a sustainable tomorrow.”
The Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation, part of the Department of Agriculture since 1977, purchases agricultural preservation easements from willing farmers, protecting farmland and woodlands indefinitely. According to MDA officials, the newly approved easements will help maintain the state’s agricultural landscape, support local food production, and sustain rural communities’ livelihoods. The initiative builds on Maryland’s broader conservation goals. Officials noted that it follows the achievement of the 30% land preservation target outlined in the Maryland the Beautiful Act, passed in 2023, and will contribute toward the state’s next goal of conserving 40% of state land by 2040.
State officials said the easements represent a long-term investment in preserving Maryland’s agricultural heritage and natural resources while ensuring that farmland remains productive and available for future generations.
Photo: mda.maryland.gov