Washington County Preserves 69 Acres of Farmland, Boosting Agricultural Land Protection

Washington County, Maryland, has officially preserved a 69.32-acre farm in Rohrersville, a significant step in the county’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding agricultural lands. This latest preservation, facilitated through the Maryland Agricultural Resource-Based Industries Corporation’s (MARBIDISCO) Next Generation Farmland Acquisition (Next Gen) Program, brings the total area of permanently preserved land in Washington County to over 43,000 acres. The easement was finalized on June 18, 2026, protecting a crop operation situated on Park Hall Road. The property features a stream and offers scenic vistas of South Mountain to the east and Red Hill to the west. The addition of this farm is particularly noteworthy as it enhances an area already characterized by a high concentration of preserved agricultural land, potentially encouraging neighboring landowners to pursue similar conservation efforts.

The MARBIDISCO Next Gen Program, introduced in Washington County in 2019, is specifically designed to assist individuals in acquiring and operating their first farm. This program targets applicants who have not previously owned more than 20 acres of contiguous land and are in the process of making an offer on a suitable property. To qualify, prospective farms must meet specific criteria, including being eligible for the County’s Agricultural Land Preservation District (Ag District) Program. This involves having an agricultural assessment, being located within a rural zoning district, and not being situated within designated growth areas or municipalities. Furthermore, a crucial requirement for eligible properties is the presence of at least 50 percent Class I, II, and/or III soils, indicating high-quality agricultural potential.

The Next Gen Program employs a competitive application process, with submissions typically accepted at the end of each month. Successful applicants, upon selection and approval, may receive financial assistance from MARBIDCO. This assistance can cover up to 51 percent of the appraised land-only fair market value of the target property, with a maximum award of $500,000, intended to aid with the down payment for the farm purchase. In exchange for this support, the new landowner is obligated to actively pursue the establishment of a permanent conservation easement through another designated land preservation program. Once the conservation easement process is successfully completed, the landowner is responsible for repaying MARBIDCO, while retaining any remaining easement funding.

The Next Gen Program is a key component of Washington County’s broader strategy for land preservation. This comprehensive approach aims to protect not only agricultural lands but also areas of scenic, historic, and environmental importance. The county leverages a variety of programs to achieve these goals, including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Rural Legacy Program, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and Program Open Space–Stateside. Additional support comes from the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program, the County’s own Installment Purchase Program, local forest conservation easements, and federal initiatives such as the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program and Federal Scenic Easements. Collaborations with organizations like the Maryland Environmental Trust, Antietam Battlefield Trust, and Mid-Maryland Land Trust further strengthen these preservation efforts.

While state-level programs continue to be a vital source of funding for land preservation initiatives, Washington County has also demonstrated a commitment to bolstering these efforts through increased local investment. This proactive approach underscores the county’s dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and rural character for the benefit of current and future generations. Residents interested in learning more about the various land preservation programs available in Washington County can contact Chris Boggs, Rural Preservation Administrator, at 240-313-2447 or via email at cboggs@washco-md.net.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Division of Planning & Zoning

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