Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation is now accepting applications

LEONARDTOWN,MARYLAND– The Maryland Farmland Preservation Program (MALPF) is now accepting applications for the fiscal year 2022 easement cycle.

Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 50 contiguous acres, land outside of the County 10-Year Water and Sewer Plan, and a minimum of 50% Class I, II, or III soils. For more information on MALPF easement eligibility and acquisition process, visit https://mda.maryland.gov/malpf/Pages/Fact-Sheets.aspx.

The mission of the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation is:

• Preserve productive farm and woodland lands for the continued production of food and fiber for all citizens of Maryland;
• Curb the expansion of haphazard urban development;
• To help curb the spread of urban plague and deterioration;
• Help protect farmland and woodlands as open space;
• Protect wildlife habitat; and
• Improve the environmental quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

MALPF was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1977 and is part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The Foundation purchases agricultural preservation easements that forever restrict development on prime agricultural and woodland lands. MALPF settled its first easement purchased in October 1980.

The Maryland Farmland Preservation Program is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country. The state of Maryland, with the work of the Foundation and its state and local partners, has preserved more farmland in perpetuity than any other state in the country.

To apply, contact the St. Mary County MALPF Program Administrator, Donna Sasscer, Manager, Agriculture and Seafood Division, Department of Economic Development at 240-309-4021 or [email protected]

All easement applications must be received by the St. Mary’s County MALPF Administrator by May 1, 2021. Once received, they will be closed by the St. Mary’s County Farmland Preservation Advisory Council. Mary’s (ALPAB) using the State Mandated Land Assessment. and the Site Assessment System (LESA). Closed requests will be submitted to the State for easement review.

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