​Nobody is arguing with wineries such as Rocklands or Sugarloaf, nor breweries such as Waredacca. These businesses underwent review by MC Department of Permitting Services and MC Office of Agriculture. They hold limited unrelated and reasonably sized commercial events. Moreover wineries and cideries are agriculture... growing most if not all of their ingredients on their farm as required by MD as part of their licensure. This proposed zoning change offers no such continuing review process, merely requiring that the lot have an MD agricultural tax assessment- minimum of $2500/year of ag product sold - and Ta Da: build a brewery, cannery, pub, event facility and import nearly all the ingredients. Shoot... achieving that tax status could be sale of a single foal.

This fast moving ZTA, however, allows for breweries that source from elsewhere (anywhere at all) to establish in the AR (on land cheaper to acquire than downcounty) and all rural residential zones... no limit on size of commercial space, nor number of rented events with over 200 attendees, each may hold 9 outdoor events (music festivals, sporting tournaments etc.) annually without maximum attendee limit and no stated hours. Wineries and cideries are conducting ag here... breweries, under this ZTA... not so much. Folks (broad group of stakeholders) are asking for reasonable scale under limited use and that greater scale (frequency/attendees) get conditional use approval. You know so the site's specifics can be factored in... like folks do in reasonable zoning. Seems to be a premise in the distant offices in Rockville and Silver Spring that "whoa... all that land out there, less people... whose gonna notice?" Take note some of the professionals have weighed in and asked for more care including staff at Montgomery County Planning and the legal advisor to the Council. Additionally,  it has been only recently that we have understood the impact of breweries on water/wastewater. 

The photos above depict the cautionary tale from Frederick County where a single venue hosts 10-12,000 people daily at festivals throughout the growing season. It was Ed Boyce of wonderful Black Ankle Vineyard in the top photos (now establishing a vineyard in the Reserve) who warned of this potential problem, which he added significantly dings other nearby businesses with snarled traffic and loss of rural atmosphere that is their central draw. Take note: many millions of dollars (taxpayer and private) have been spent (payed to farm owners) to acquire easements to ensure that Reserve farmland will be saved from loss to development... in order that we may continue to conduct farming. 


How do we save farming by not farming and promoting conflict with the central purpose of the Ag Reserve?
The answer: You don't.

Update 7.26 - Important statement from Rocklands' Winery noting some concerns with the ZTA and correcting inaccurate statement made at PHED Committee regarding the number of wedding guests at their weddings. You asked, we answered - why is this such a big deal?

Update 7.16 - Action Needed on Proposed ZTA for Alcohol Production (ZTA 18-03) Take action by hearing on 7.20! 

When MCA was made aware of a significant proposed zoning code change that would affect Montgomery County's nationally regarded Ag Reserve and all rural residential zones by broadening provisions for alcohol production facilities and associated large scale commercial event venues on as little as 5 acres... we brought broad community concerns and recommended amendments to Council members and staff. We offered ideas and sought discussion on how the uses might be reviewed and conditioned to ensure balance, safety and equity. Certainly, we thought, the bill's author, Hans Riemer and committee members would work to ensure that alcohol production/event venues be permitted in appropriate scale with family farms, rural communities, and other stakeholders. Right? Not so much as clearly evidenced prior to and at the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee (PHED) meeting, chaired by Nancy Floreen. The PHED Committee paid little or no heed to their own staff attorney's recommendations to properly scale this zoning provision. 
​

Our proposed amendments are based on  discussions with stakeholders including farmers, rural residents, local wineries and breweries, land use planners including Ag Reserve architect Royce Hanson, County residents who recreate and do farm commerce in the Reserve, preservationists, environmentalists... And with exception of two small technical provisions... there was not a single word uttered at the Council Committee acknowledging community/stakeholder concerns or input regarding the scale and intensity of the non-agricultural commercial event provisions. Reference was made to farmers who rightly noted that the zoning does not properly tie farm breweries to farming but even that discussion did not reference suggestions (including MCA's) on how to ensure that these are truly agricultural and accessory to agricultural uses.

With care, advancing new opportunities in both the Reserve and lower density rural residential communities can achieve economic, environmental and community/cultural benefits. The Master Plan for Agriculture and Open Space Preservation (AROS) was designed with flexibility, acknowledging the evolving nature of agriculture, allowing for revisions and additions. However, those changes must conform to the primary purpose of the plan, adhere to environmental protection goals, and be “consistent with historical character and community lifestyles in rural settlements.” AROS p. 71

Please click above to see details, including text of bills and staff reports. Though frustrated in our efforts thus far, we remain eager to work with the Council bill sponsors to help better this ZTA.

Your Email – Please personalize - Do you farm, buy farm goods, recreate, live in the areas affected? Share with others. Please send in emails by July 20 before next committee meeting! Your action is much appreciated!
Send to:  Councilmember.Riemer@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember.Floreen@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember.Leventhal@montgomerycountymd.gov

CC:
Councilmember.Elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember.Berliner@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember.Hucker@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember.Navarro@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember.Rice@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember.Katz@montgomerycountymd.gov
Jeff.zyontz@montgomerycountymd.gov

                            
       BCC: info@mocoalliance.org


Subject line: ZTA 18-03 - Amendments Needed!


Dear PHED Committee Members and Councilmembers,

I support the continued careful stewardship of our County’s rural and agricultural land and communities. In keeping with that goal, I am writing to ask that you take the following action:

Amend ZTA 18-03 to address concerns that the zoning change support the goals of the County's master plan to protect agriculture, rural communities and natural resources. I support the amendments proposed by Montgomery Countryside Alliance and their partners which include requiring that the facilities be directly tied to agriculture on the property, operate in a scale in balance with other farming activities and rural communities and that road safety is maintained. Larger facilities should be afforded review under the County's conditional use approval process.

I support the collaborative efforts of Montgomery Countryside Alliance and partners in working toward legislative amendments that will ensure that zoning changes are supportive of our master plans, environmental protection, and will advance a vital and diverse agricultural and rural economy.

Let's not rush with zoning changes like this. Let's get this right!


Sincerely,
<your name here>

The McKee Beshers sunflowers are in bloom! Come on out!

​More info from the DNR


Located on River Road in Western Montgomery County, McKee-Beshers WMA is a 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments (green-tree reservoirs). The WMA shares a common boundary with the National Park Service Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the south and borders Seneca Creek State Park, a 1,200-acre public hunting area, on the east.

What To SeeMcKee-Beshers WMA provides habitat for a great diversity of wildlife species including deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, over 200 species of songbirds, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Biologists deliberately flood forests during the fall and winter in "greentree reservoirs." These attract colorful wood ducks as well as other waterfowl which migrate through or spend the winter here.
What To DoHikers will find trails for miles and miles, meandering through the forests, fields and wetlands. The C&O Canal and trail actually border the area. From here, you can hike or bicycle east all the way to Washington, D.C. or west as far as Cumberland. Hunters enjoy the pursuit of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, woodcock, squirrels, waterfowl and many other species.
Area Regulations

• Use of McKee-Beshers WMA is permitted seven days a week throughout the year.
• Hunting is allowed in accordance with statewide open season dates, bag limits and shooting hours, unless otherwise noted.
• McKee- Beshers WMA is a public hunting area. No permit is required.
• All State and Federal Hunting Laws and Regulations are applicable.
• Trapping is by permit only.
• Dove hunting in specific designated fields is restricted to certain days and shooting hours.
• No motorized vehicles are allowed.
• Vehicle access is via marked parking areas located on River Road, Hunting Quarter Road and Sycamore Landing Road.
• Access to Maddux Island is by boat only. Launch from boat ramp on Rileys Lock Road into Seneca Creek or put in at the end of Sycamore Landing Road at the C&O Canal.

Non-Hunting Users

• Roads are maintained and suitable for hiking, nature photography, birding, hunting and other recreational activities. 
• Visitors to the management area should be aware of biting insects, mosquitoes and ticks from April-December. 
• Area is wet most of the year, wear appropriate footwear.

Special Areas

• There are two specific dove management areas that are open to the public for hunting with certain restrictions that apply.
• Specific areas are set aside for dog training. A Retriever Dog Training Permit is required if releasing live birds.
• Green-tree reservoir impoundments totaling approximately 160 acres are managed for waterfowl. Chest waders recommended.
• Maddux Island (Van Deventer Island) in the Potomac River is part of the WMA. This 170 acre island is accessible by boat only.
• For information on organized field trial events contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272.

Site Management Practices

• Approximately 200 acres of field are managed under an agricultural lease for crop production.
• Certain fields are planted with crops to provide winter food for upland wildlife species.
• Green-tree reservoirs and other wetland impoundments have been created and water levels are manipulated to provide habitat for waterfowl, wading birds and furbearers.
• Several fields have been planted to native warm season grasses, cool season grasses or have been left fallow to provide habitat for ground nesting wildlife species and brood habitat for wild turkeys.

DirectionsFrom the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112, Seneca Road. Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. McKee-Beshers will be on your left as you head west on River Road. For additional information, contact the Gwynnbrook Work Center at (410) 356-9272.

And we have so many people to thank!

The show must and did go on!
Storms threatened in the days and even hours before the event but for the most part skirted south - all but 5 minutes of drops that brought a double  rainbow over the barn stage. 

A multitude of thanks go to:
Our hosts - Madison Fields
All those who attended  to celebrate the Reserve with us. 

Royce Hanson- Architect of the Ag Reserve who joined us to share the importance of Reserve.

Our talented Musicians - The Eastman String Band and the 19th Street Band

Our wonderful Food Vendors: Cipolla Rossa Pizza, 3rd Alarm BBQ and Bruster's Ice Cream along with our friends at Wegmans that provided the drinks. 

Our locally crafted beer and wine (where you can go to enjoy the varieties you tried along with other great events most weekends!)  Waredaca Brewing Company and Rocklands Farm and Winery.

Our keen Vendors: Switch Purse, Lady Farmer, Glisten Jewellery, Countryside Artisans, Fugal Foxhunter, Rustic Roads Advisory Board, Friends of Ten Mile Creek, American Farmland Trust and Madison House Autism Foundation.
Van, Dwain and the Washington Folklife Festival Crew crew who used their expertise to construct our barn-side stage and make it sound like a concert hall. Thanks guys! 
​

​Outer beltway through the Reserve! Keep your eyes open... Because. Shifting positions.
A tale of two surveys... check out candidates' positions on transportation projects. Seems that for some, the answer really depends on who is doing the asking...
Seriously...
Just reporting here. Up to voters but inconsistency makes our job to inform ourselves... hard.
MCA survey question regarding 2nd crossing/outer beltway support...
Candidate Gabe Albernoz "I do not support M83 or a second crossing."
Yet when Suburban Md Transportation Alliance asks him if he "supports studying the concept"... the answer: ✔️yes (see question 8)
Mind you SMTA offers only yes or no option to a strategically phrased question. But yes is an answer. And no is an answer that would have been consistent with the answer on the MCA survey. You can find all the survey results on Seventh State
MCA's Survey Results are here.  Other conflicting answers include Marilyn Balcombe who says "the bridge won't happen in my lifetime" still says she'd like to see it studied.

Together with our supporters and partners we have a lot of accomplishments to be proud of:

• 400+ acres of local land linked with new and expanding farmers through our Land Link program. 
• A Mobile Ag Lab program that bring hands-on agriculture lessons to all MoCo Elementary Schools along with a High School Ag Education program that brings farmers to the classroom and students to local farms.
• Bringing candidate views on agriculture, transportation, and land use to voters through our candidate's survey. 
• Help pass state legislation paving the way for the cultivation of industrial hemp - a crop with benefits for farm ecology and the local economy.
• Partnered with other civic organizations to stop sewer sprawl into the Ag Reserve.
• Served on both the On Farm Composting Committee and the Zero Waste Task Force to help  Montgomery County move toward a zero-waste future.

 What’s old is new again and the economics are promising!
Hemp can now be cultivated under certain conditions in Maryland thanks to this year’s legislation now signed into law by Governor Hogan. Big thanks to Delegate David Fraser Hidalgo and his team for their tireless work in seeing this through.
 
Why hemp production in Maryland?

• Hemp is good for the environment: Hemp requires little to no fertilizers or pesticides, improves soil health, reduces farm runoff that can pollute our waterways, and supports biodiversity.
• Hemp is good for farmers: Hemp is a fast-growing crop that performs well in our climate and can open up new markets for farmers. It also helps build nutrients in the soil so farmers need fewer fertilizers or other costly additives.
• Hemp is good for Maryland: Hemp production can bring new jobs to the state to grow and process the crop and manufacture it into goods, including textiles, construction materials, food, health and beauty products.

 
Farmers and businesses have been quickly getting up to speed on how best to proceed in Maryland. The question of start up costs has rightly been raised especially with regard to equipment. MC producer Joe Orlow offers, “The specialized machinery can be perhaps be obtained and shared by forming a co-operative of hemp farmers. The labor intensive nature does not have to be a downside. As example, Growing Warriors  under Mike Lewis has found employment for veterans.” 

Pending Federal Legislation is co-sponsored by 1/3rd of the Senate and a recent resolution touting its potential benefits just passed this month.

More - economic and environmental benefits:
 
Forbes : A win for Industry and environment
 
The Guardian: The Plant that Could Boost America's Economy

​Our Previous Post on Hemp

There was a productive stakeholder meeting in May 2018 at the MC Farm Bureau. To learn more drop us a line info@mocoalliance.org

A good summary from Seventh State from back in March sets up the issue : "County Executive Ike Leggett said he intends to pursue a public-private partnership (P3) to administer the county’s stormwater management program.  That decision is particularly interesting given the facts that the State of Maryland has alleged that the county committed numerous violations of its stormwater permit and the county agreed to a consent decree in January." 

​All while other stormwater projects have been canceled while this new system is considered. Water Quality Can't Wait!

MCA's response and request that County Council override:

This is an important issue. Here is our response - Montgomery Countryside Alliance:
-----

On May 17, 2018, Executive Leggett issued a public statement with his intent to line-item veto the stormwater program funding approved by the County Council for the FY19 Capital Budget. On June 1 he did just that.
Executive Leggett claims that the Council’s decision “threatens our ability to meet important environmental goals and will certainly delay projects designed to meet our State-mandated MS4 permit”.
Executive Leggett further claims that the stormwater programs needs to be “responsive to County taxpayers who – without changes – will be paying more in stormwater management charges to get less”.
These statements are factually incorrect. For months, Executive Leggett has pushed forward a narrative that a large, sole-sourced contracting mechanism (design-build-maintain, or DBM) is the only way Montgomery County can meet its stormwater goals and requirements. We disagree. And ask the Council to override this veto.

Point 1:
• The County Council has budget discretionary authority. The T&E Committee and the Council heard public testimony from citizens and watershed groups for months. The T&E Committee responded to this public testimony in agreement; the Committee decided the Executive’s proposal was risky, uninformed, and vague. The Committee recommended a different proposal, to move forward with existing procedures to build projects already in a pipeline (with existing investments totaling $5.3 million). The recommendation passed 2-1 in committee and 5-4 in full Council.
• The Executive’s decision to threaten a veto here is undoing weeks of careful public debate the Council undertook. The Executive’s veto threatens to undermine the role of public accountability and transparency the Council plays during budget negotiations.
Point 2:
• In March 2018, the Executive cancelled 26 stormwater projects, with investments of $2.6 million. The rationale provided by DEP stated:
o “In our most recent analysis of the County’s comprehensive watershed restoration actions, we documented significant progress toward meeting the restoration goals. The progress achieved to date towards meeting the Permit requirements allows the County to reduce the number of remaining capital projects originally identified to meet the 2010 MS4 permit. As a result, the County has decided not to move forward at this time on 25 projects currently in design”. (A 26th project was included after this letter from DEP was distributed.)
o If the Executive is so concerned with meeting MS4 permit requirements and environmental goals, why did he cancel these projects and suspend 44 others? The county could be working on these projects right now, but instead, these projects are waylaid by the Executive’s decisions. The veto threatens moving forward on all county stormwater projects (not just the 44 suspended projects). The Council decision helps the county continue construction and implementation of stormwater projects – why would the Executive further delay these projects from moving forward?
o 14 of the 26 cancelled projects were in Craig Rice’s district – district 2. Why is he unconcerned with these project cancellations, given his interest in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts? These local projects are the only way to restore the Chesapeake Bay.
o 21 of the 44 projects are in Craig Rice’s district – district 2. Why would he support the Executive’s proposal that would delay these projects? These projects may never be built under the DBM approach.
Point 3:
• The Council voted to maintain a level Water Quality Protection Charge this year – the same budget recommendation that came from Executive Leggett. Why is the Executive claiming taxpayers will pay more?
Point 4:
• We fail to understand why the Executive is continuing to push forward this design-build-maintain (DBM) contracting change. The Council analyst packet from May 2, 2018 states:
o “The [Executive’s] Recommended CIP assumes savings in per-acre retrofit costs totaling about $5 to $6 million in the six-year period. However, actual savings will not be known until the new contract is awarded”.
o The Executive is basing his DBM proposal on math that doesn’t add up. 5 to 6 million over six years, when we have already thrown $2.6M away and we’ve suspended $5.3M (total = $7.9M). Even assuming we didn’t build all of these projects, for technical or timing issues, what are we really saving with the DBM?
o Executive has claimed a DBM is the only way of meeting our environmental goals, saying these goals are “achievable only if we modify our approach to contracting out the design, construction and maintenance of our stormwater management facilities”.
o Why is this the only way? We still have seen no evidence supporting this decision. No analysis. No data. There are lots of ways of doing contracting; did the Executive perform a cost-benefit analysis for different contracting methods? What lessons learned (if any) have been pulled from the county’s existing pay-for-performance contracts?  

The County Council voted correctly. Please override the Executive's Veto.

The Scott family’s agricultural background in Montgomery County dates back to 1948, when Owen Scott purchased their farm in Dickerson.  Today, Owen’s son and grandson, David Scott, Sr. and David Scott, Jr., work together to continue their farming legacy.  They grow corn, soybeans and wheat on 270 acres at their home farm, plus an additional 1,200 acres under lease agreements with other local landowners.
 
David Scott, Jr. would tell you that working full-time as a commodity farmer is not for the risk averse.  He encounters new challenges every year.  Farmers know Mother Nature can be their best friend or worst enemy.  Crop yields depend on the right balance of sunshine, rainfall and air temperatures.  David says other challenges include controlling wildlife damage to crops and urban growth.  Fortunately, most farmers in the Ag Reserve find that the level of satisfaction they gain by working the land to grow their own crops far outweighs the challenges and risks associated with their profession. 
 
Montgomery County’s future in agriculture depends on the success of farmers like David Scott, Jr., who is truly committed to working with his father to continue their farming operation.  When asked why he went into farming, David said, “My father inspired me to pursue my career in farming because I grew up on the farm and enjoyed the lifestyle.”  
 
The MCA was proud to recognize the Scott family with its prestigious Royce Hanson Award in 2017 for their outstanding contributions to agriculture in the Ag Reserve. 

Montgomery Countryside Alliance is the small (but mighty!) organization the protects local farms and the Ag Reserve,  we are of and for the Reserve community and appreciate your support!

"Wait what is the Ag Reserve?" - We hear this a whole lot, even from people who live close by. We do a lot of outreach to show the importance of protecting farms on Metro's edge but the most fun way to raise awareness is through events that connect people to the wonder of this place. 

Save the Date! This will be the 11th year that cyclists from all over the region have saddled up to bike the Rustic Roads of the Ag Reserve. There are routes of varying lengths for the hard core or the sunday biker - including a 10mi family loop. All routes culminate in a sumptuous picnic lunch and your registration protects the Reserve as a haven for farms, open space and of course, biking. All current MCA members get the member rate on registration. 

We are working hard to sort out a lot initiatives coming out of Rockville that will need some work. And we could use your action. Your voice matters. 
 
These three zoning text amendments are problematic as written:

1. ZTA 18-03 Alcohol Production and Event Facilities in Reserve and all Rural Residential Zones
   ​Recommend: Approval with amendments 
   ​Proposed amendments include: ensuring that there is a required farming component of the business, providing for conditional use process for facilities that will hold large weddings and events, providing for clear hours of operation, lighting standards, providing for applicable forest and water protection standards.
2. ZTA 18-01 Commercial and Community Solar Arrays (2 mgw – covering up to 12 acres) in Rural Residential Zones  Recommend: Approval with amendments
   Proposed amendments include: reduce array height from 20’ to 10’, provide for larger buffer to property line, slightly taller security fencing and address the need to ensure that the provision advanced the stated goal of solar availability to low and moderate income residents through Maryland’s Community Solar Program. MCA and partners are opposing the request to add the Reserve to the zoning change prior to a comprehensive renewable energy plan, which should be part of a larger climate change response plan… one that we do not have.
3. ZTA 18-04 Expansion of non-conforming grandfathered uses in Reserve
   Recommend: Approve With Amendment (dated May 2)
   Our understanding is that this amendment aims to ensure that Davis Airfield in Laytonsville complies with current FAA requirements. As currently written, the amendment will allow for expansion of all non-conforming uses existing prior to 2014, including but not limited to schools, cemeteries, industrial uses, landscape contractors, airfields etc. This conflicts with the zoning and master plan.

Looking for good refining language but haven’t got it yet.

There is a another issue we are carefully tracking: In late June, a final Council vote is expected on the Ten-Year Water and Sewer Plan. At issue are the rules by which the County switches a property or cluster of properties from septic to sewer service. Since sewer lines may promote sprawl and urbanization which damages clean water supplies, it's crucial that we keep unnecessary sewer lines out of the Ag Reserve and its low-density residential buffer. 

​Send to:  County.Council@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
           
       BCC: info@mocoalliance.org

Dear Council and Planning Board Members,

I support the continued careful stewardship of our County’s rural and agricultural land and communities. In keeping with that goal, I am writing to ask that you take the following actions:

1.    ZTA 18-03 Approve with MCA recommended amendments
2.    ZTA 18-01  Approve with MCA recommended amendments
3.    ZTA 18-04  Oppose

I support the collaborative efforts of Montgomery Countryside Alliance and partners in working toward legislative amendments that will ensure that zoning changes are supportive of our master plans, environmental protection, and will advance a vital and diverse agricultural and rural economy. Please engage in careful planning for the County’s renewable energy and climate change response goals prior to major zoning changes that will affect other preservation efforts. I do not support extension of commercial solar array installations in the Ag Reserve, beyond the current provision of 120% solar generation, before the County conducts planning.
Thanks for your consideration.

​Moreover, I thank the Councilmembers (Hucker, Berliner, Riemer, Elrich, and Navarro) who voted on March 20 in a straw vote for the Elrich Amendment to the County’s 10 Year Water and Sewer Plan. We urge these Councilmembers and their colleagues to vote for clean water in the final vote in June.
Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,
<your name here>

The County is considering how to advance composting efforts across the county and has released a new report to guide that process.  Removing food scraps from the waste stream just makes sense and helps reach the goal of reducing and recycling 70% of our waste county wide by 2020. Some stats to consider from this report: 

​MCA served on the On- Farm Composting Committee to help advance this strategic plan. Farms are an ideal facility to take on this waste and turn it into a resource. Anyone with a compost bin at home can tell you gross old food plus careful tending in partnership with worms and other creepy crawly helpers yields amazing soil amendments. We look forward to partnering to bring the plans in this report to fruition in a way that balances the needs of the whole community. 

While it may take a while to turn these first steps into action county-wide, you can start composting more of your waste at home.  And the County DEP even has free bins!

​Update - May 1 

The Council is still working on the details of the County's Ten Year Water and Sewer Plan. They are making sure that home owners with septic systems in rural residential areas have all the tools needed should they experience or clearly be at risk of septic failure. Important stuff.

Council will take this up again in June. Stay tuned...

Some Ag Reserve Luminaries are taking an a tasty project - Bread and Beauty  is a cookbook that celebrates the history, present and future of the Ag Reserve. 120 recipes mix with stories and essays about what makes this working landscape on metro's edge special. The book is slated to come out this summer but you can make the project a reality by pre-ordering your copy today. A percentage of the book's proceeds benefit MCA and also Manna Food Center.  More info is on their Bread & Beauty site and their Facebook page. 

​The Farms certified under this program are (more are currently applying to the program):

1. Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm (USDA Organic and Certified Naturally Grown)
2. From the Earth Foods (USDA Organic)
3. Potomac Valley Organics (USDA Organic)
4. Red Wiggler Community Farm (USDA Organic)
5. The Farm at Our House (USDA Organic)
6. Your Chef’s Table Farm (Certified Naturally Grown)

We are so proud that 3 of the farms listed here (Your Chef's Table, From the Earth Foods and Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm) have all been connected with land through our Land Link Program.
​

Tanya of Passion to Seed Gardening was linked with land through Land Link - she will be applying to be certified through this Green Business.

​Montgomery County's Ag Reserve, comprised of nearly 106,000 acres, is one-third of the County's land mass and provides local  food/fiber, environmental and economic benefits for our region.  No surprise then, that voters are interested to hear what both incumbents and seat seekers have to say about their vision for and thoughts about this special place.
Much like in the 2014 election, MCA has again put 9 questions about the Reserve, land use, farming, water quality and transportation to the many candidates vying to represent Montgomery County at the local and state level. As a 501c3 nonprofit - MCA can not endorse but we seek to provide information on where the candidates stand. 
Below are the unedited questionnaires received from each candidate who returned them by the deadline, we are grateful to those who took the time in the busy election season. Check your voting status and find your sample ballot with all candidates here. 
​

​County Executive
Roger Berliner
​David Blair
Marc Elrich
Robin Ficker
George Leventhal

​What is the Women For The Land Program?
The Women For The Land Program brings groups of 15-20 women landowners together with conservation and technical staff (mostly women) for three sessions over approximately two months.  An experienced facilitator guides this Conservation Learning Circle through a well-developed agenda. AFT invites agency staff to participate as presenters and active participants in the conversation, addressing issues and questions in real time.  The peer-to-peer women-only program provides an opportunity to learn from each other, gain confidence, and to obtain technical/financial assistance to protect your land's natural resources. These sessions are designed for women landowners who own, rent and make management decisions on their Maryland forest and farm land. AFT is operating this program in five states including Maryland.

Who is the core audience for a Women For The Land program?
Women who own farm or forest land in Maryland, who may recently have come into ownership or taken on new responsibilities for operational decisions on their land.  Some have families that are facing decisions about the future of the farm. Others need to find a new tenant to lease their land. For various reasons, some women are less familiar with the programs, agencies and individuals who can assist them. Despite their challenging situations, women landowners have strong ideas on how they want their land managed. They have proven to be highly-motivated and receptive to information and assistance once they learn what is available.  AFT sees these women as ideal partners in conservation and land protection and has developed the Women For The Land program to offer targeted support,