Carroll County Ag Pres Story

The state and county continue to hold agricultural land preservation as a high priority. As of June 2021, over $240 million has been invested to help ensure the continued viability of the farm economy in Carroll County and to further the other benefits that come with agricultural land preservation. 

In fall 2020, Carroll County achieved a major milestone by reaching 75,000 acres permanently preserved, which is three-quarters of the way toward the county’s 100,000-acre goal. 

The Celebrating 75,000 Acres Preserved & Growing event in October 2021 celebrates this accomplishment. 

Preservation of farmland provides the opportunity to continue Carroll’s rich agricultural heritage – from the rural working landscape, cherished by the public, to agriculture’s significant contribution to the county’s economic base.  Preserving large, contiguous areas of agricultural land is essential to building a “critical mass” of viable agricultural operations. This critical mass also will help to sustain agri-businesses such as farm suppliers and ag lenders, which are necessary for farm operations to thrive.  Land preservation also benefits the environment and helps to protect our streams and waterways. 

Carroll County currently administers four land preservation programs, as well as accepts easements donated or otherwise granted to prevent future non-agricultural development.

Carroll County's success is due in part to the support of Governor Larry Hogan and his administration prioritizing preservation through fully funding the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) and Rural Legacy Programs.

As you scroll through, click on individual properties on each map for more information on individual farms.

NEW! Community Solar Energy Generating Systems (CSEGS)

On May 13, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners adopted an amendment to the Carroll County Zoning Code, Chapter 158, Solar Energy Generating Systems, to allow community solar energy generating systems (CSEGS) on remaining portions of five acres or greater in the Agricultural District. A permanent conservation easement is required on the rest of the property not developed for community solar facilities and associated infrastructure. Easements resulting from CSEGS development will be added here once a site plan for a CSEGS on a remaining portion is approved and the easement recorded. These easements will add to the total acreage of preserved agricultural land. For more information on the Community Solar Zoning Text Amendment and how it relates to agriculture, visit  CarrollCountyMD.gov/communitysolar .

Carroll County Agricultural Land Preservation Program was selected by the  Maryland Department of Planning  to receive a 2021 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award for Preservation and Conservation. The  Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards  celebrate significant achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations and local governments to realize the  12 planning visions  adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The annual awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact and quality of life.

The annual awards, presented by the Maryland Department of Planning, are the highest level of recognition for managed growth and development in the state.

Preservation/Conservation Project awards are presented for accomplishments in protecting or improving farms, forests, natural resources, and the waters of Maryland. This award recognizes outstanding efforts to:

“Carroll County’s ag land preservation program is a jewel for the county, and it is exciting to be recognized by the state for our efforts toward protecting the environment,” said Commissioner Ed Rothstein. “Along with providing a beautiful countryside, our farms are critical for food production, sustaining our quality of life and adding to the county’s economic base.”

The Carroll County Commissioners established the Carroll County Agricultural Land Preservation Program in 1978. At that time, they committed to an equity program for farmland owners through participating in the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) program.

This commitment was strengthened through adoption of a new zoning ordinance that provided a strong stance on farmland preservation through essential land use controls.

Click on the Balancing the Needs of the Community video below, produced at the 40,000 acres preserved milestone in 2002, for more information on the history of agricultural land preservation in Carroll County.