ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 8, 2024) ~ In a recent meeting held on August 7, 2024, the Maryland Board of Public Works made a significant decision to protect farmland in the state. The board approved 49 new easements from the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation, which will permanently preserve 4,998 acres of prime farmland across various counties including Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot, Washington and Wicomico.

The investment for this preservation effort amounts to over $25 million and is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the future of agriculture in Maryland. Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks expressed his gratitude towards the farmers who have committed to preserving their land and continuing their contribution to the state's rural economy.

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Established in 1977 as part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation purchases easements from willing farmers to protect prime farmland and woodland forever. A detailed breakdown of these easements by county can be found on their website.

This decision comes as a significant achievement for the state as it has already met its goal of conserving 30% of land by 2030 as outlined in the Maryland the Beautiful Act passed by the General Assembly in 2023. With these newly-approved easements, Maryland is now on track to meet its next goal of conserving 40% of state land by 2040.

For more information on this preservation effort or to get in touch with the foundation's Executive Director Michelle Cable, interested parties can contact her at (410) 841-5860 or via email at michelle.cable@maryland.gov. This decision serves as a testament to Maryland's commitment towards preserving its agricultural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

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