Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board
Function – Advisory - To advise BCC regarding establishment of agricultural districts and approval of easement purchases by the Foundation, assist BCC in reviewing the status of agricultural districts and land under easement, to advise Foundation concerning county priorities for ag preservation, to approve/disapprove applications by the county for certification of the ag preservation program, promote preservation of agriculture w/in the county by providing information & assistance to farmers regarding ag preservation districts and purchase of easements, meet with forest conservation district boards to work cooperatively, and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications – 3 members must be owner/operators of farms earning at least 50% of their income from farming.
The “Ag Advisory Board” was established under Chapter 150 Agricultural Land Preservation. Each of the five members, plus the alternate, must be representative of the agricultural community. Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and serve four-year terms.
Purpose
The primary responsibility of the Ag Advisory Board, under the advice of the Program Manager, is to review and approve applications to each of the easement acquisition programs. The Board of County Commissioners approves the easement purchases.
Other responsibilities the Ag Advisory Board include:
• Advising the Board of County Commissioners regarding approval of easement purchases by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF),
• Advising MALPF concerning County priorities for ag land preservation,
• Approving/disapproving applications by the County for certification of the Agricultural Land Preservation Program,
• Reviewing requests related to farmland already under easement,
• Sharing the direct perspective of the agricultural community with the Program Manager and the Board of County Commissioners,
• Promoting the preservation of agriculture within the county by providing information and assistance to farmers regarding the purchase of easements, and
• Meeting with forest conservation district boards to work cooperatively.
Meetings
The Ag Advisory Board generally meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Agendas can be found on the Upcoming Meetings, Agendas, and Public Hearings page
To apply to serve on the Ag Advisory Board, visit the Boards & Commissions webpage to download an application or complete it online.
For more information, contact the Ag Pres Program staff at 410-386-2214 or CarrollAgPres@CarrollCountyMD.gov.
• Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board Members
• Bylaws
• Carroll County Code, Chapter 150 Agricultural Land Preservation
• Apply to serve on the Ag Advisory Board