Maryland Department of Agriculture Board of Review Factsheet
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Vision and Mission
The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, in existence since 1977, is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country. Its primary purpose is to preserve sufficient agricultural land to maintain a viable local base of food and fiber production for the present and future citizens of Maryland. The Program purchases perpetual agricultural conservation easements to prevent farmland from being developed for residential, commercial or industrial uses.
Statutory Authority: Agriculture Article, Maryland Annotated Code §§ 2-501 - 2-517 and COMAR 15.15.01 - 15.15.03.
Primary Function
The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation is administered by a thirteen-member Board of Trustees which includes the State's Comptroller, Treasurer, Secretary of Agriculture, and Secretary of Planning all of whom serve as ex officio members. The other nine members of the Board serve "at-large" and represent various regions of the State. All members are appointed by the Governor and serve a term of four years. At least six of the at-large members are farmer representatives, of whom four represent the Maryland Agricultural Commission, the Maryland Farm Bureau, Maryland State Grange and the Young Farmers Advisory Board. For a list of current Board members, please contact the office at 410-841-5860.
Responsibilities of the Foundation's Board of Trustees
- Disseminating information to farmland owners and other Maryland citizens;
- Providing assistance and coordination to the twenty-three Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Boards;
- Promulgating program rules, regulations, and procedures;
- Reviewing and approving easement applications; and
- Acquiring, by purchase or donation, agricultural land preservation easements on productive agricultural land.
Meeting Schedule
It is the objective of the Foundation to meet the 4th Tuesday of every month with the exception of December when the meeting may be held early to avoid conflicts with the holidays. Please call prior to attending a meeting to confirm the date/location.
