Howard County Executive James N. Robey has announced that the applications program for the county's renewed Agricultural Land Preservation Program will begin Aug. 14.
"I cannot think of a better time to officially reopen this program," Robey said Friday.
"I hope this sends the message to every 4-H family and farmer at the [county] fair that we, in fact, believe there is a future for farming in Howard County.
"And we hope to ensure that future by protecting the land and making sure it is there for generations to come, through this program."
At Robey's request, the County Council authorized $15 million in the current capital budget to purchase new agricultural easements from property owners in an effort to preserve an additional 2,000 to 3,000 acres of farmland in Howard County.
The funding reactivated the agricultural-preservation easement-purchase program after four years of dormancy.
Information brochures will be available at the Howard County Fair from the county's Agricultural Land Preservation Booth, outside the entrance to the main exhibit hall.
Property owners may also call Bill Pickens, agricultural preservation administrator, at 410-313-5407.
They may also stop by the county Department of Planning and Zoning in the George Howard Building in Ellicott City.
A public meeting on the program is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Circle D Farm on Carrs Mill Road in Woodbine.
