Montgomery County Historical Society’s Annual Conference: Dr. Royce Hanson's Remarks

1/25/2020

The Montgomery County Historical Society Annual Conference took place this weekend. A highlight was a speech from Dr. Royce Hanson, architect of the Reserve in his time as Chair of the Planning Commission 40 years ago this year. He has sent a transcript for us to share with you:

Looking Backward: The Future History of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve
Royce Hanson

This is the third time I have been invited to speak at this conference. Since I am not an historian, I can only conclude that it is because I have become a relic of historical interest. The real interest of the day is the 40th anniversary of our Agricultural Reserve. There seems to be general agreement that this has been a good thing. But 40 years is a short time and as some great historian must have responded when asked if ancient Athens contributed more to civilization than Rome: “It’s too soon to tell.”

New to the Country, Veterans of the Land- Washington Post Land Link Article

1/23/2020

We are so proud of the success of our Land Link program - over 400 acres of land matched with new and expanding farmers since 2011. There are a number of farmers we have linked that have come from farming backgrounds in other countries. These immigrants enrich the food system with their ways of farming and crops that are new to stateside eaters.
We are so honored that the success of the Land Link program and the farmers and landowners that make these connections can be profiled in this piece.

If you'd like to learn more about the stories behind the Land Link program you can find more here.

It should be said that there are as many land lease types as there are matches in the Land Link program and a $1 lease is not typical. To learn more about searching for land or a farmer through our Land Link program, please visit the site.

MCA has been the organization on the ground since 2001 connecting farmers with land local folks with local food and students and the public with the wonder of Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve. Our local focus relies on local support, please consider a tax deductible donation today, and thanks!

Thrive 2050 - Montgomery County Takes Stock and Plans the Future

1/17/2020

The County is undertaking a 50 year plan that will guide land use, environmental and historic resource stewardship, the health of our communities and the viability of our farms. The plan is called Thrive 2050. At this point, the county is gathering opinions from residents (and folks are encouraged to weigh in here) and hosting way-seeking conversations about the things that matter (MCA was honored to moderate the first such conversation - the Future of Food).

The county staff issues briefing can be found here

MCA's suggested edits on the framework can be found here

MCA is on the ground defending the county's open space, farmland and water supply and we have a seat at the table to help guide this important process because for more than a decade we have operated as a collegial and collaborative partner with the county and other civic groups. Your support is needed now more than ever as we help chart the next decades of life in Montgomery County. Please consider making a tax deductible gift today.

Big Ideas: The Future of Food in Montgomery County

1/17/2020

As part of the Thrive 2050 campaign to update the county's general plan, the planning department is hosting a number of panel discussions on big topics. We were proud to be the moderator for the first topic - 'The Future of Food'. Our own Caroline Taylor moderated a discussion with Ben Butler of Butler Orchard, Greg Glenn of Rocklands Farm, Darryl Perkins of the Broccoli City Festival and Hannah Shoulder of the Koiner Center for Sustainable Farming It was an over capacity crowd on a rainy evening to connect and discuss how we feed ourselves and our neighbors in this new decade. You can see the whole session below.

Big Ideas Series: The Future of Food from M-NCPPC on Vimeo.

January 14, 2020 Thrive Montgomery 2050 Winter Speaker Series

Farming and farmland continue to evolve since the establishment of the Agricultural Reserve nearly four decades ago. While traditional agricultural activities, including grain farms and livestock operations have sustained, Montgomery County has more recently experienced an increase in tabletop food production, horticulture and agritourism industries. Furthermore, access to healthy food and overall health has a direct correlation to wealth, race and ethnicity in the United States. How can we provide healthy food access for all residents to foster an equitable, prosperous future in Montgomery County? Learn from experienced farmers working in urban, suburban and rural areas on how to plan for food production.

Your New Years Resolutions Need a CSA

1/10/2020

Photo: Josie O'Connell

It is that magical time of year, the resolutions are still sticking. Look at you- meeting your goals, full of hope in the dawning of the year and new decade. While it may seem that your couch, TV and remaining holiday chocolate are all conspiring against your new habits - there is one person who wants to help you succeed - your local farmer!

Whether you resolved to eat better, cook more, or be more community minded - a CSA (Community Supported Ag) share checks all the boxes.
A CSA is like a farm subscription, each week of the growing season you get a box of whatever is in season that week. The "Community" part means that you are buying into the farm with other subscribers - investing in a farm at this time of year when they need it most to plan and plant the coming harvest.

The benefits of a CSA are many - local food is great for the community and the environment and also great for your health. You are locked into eating your veggies each week/getting produce at the peak of freshness from people you build a relationship with over the season. Worried that you simply won't know what to do with kale or heaven forbid a parsnip? Many of the farms offer a treasure trove of recipes built up over the seasons. (or check out MCA's own "How do I use all that ____" series where we take on how to cook the less popular seasonal vegetables.)

Find your CSA Right Here

A few farms are making it even easier to join a CSA for those not ready to commit.
Any CSA can be split among friends of family - alternating weeks or splitting up a larger share is an easy way to share the harvest and be sure there is always someone there to pick it up.
Common Root Farm of Derwood is offering "Farm Cards" in addition to their typical CSA - you can buy a share of the harvest redeemable at any time. Say you are out of town a lot but want to get a share of produce when you are home. Buy a card now and redeem it when you would like at the farmers market, their online store or on-farm market.
One Acre Farm of Dickeson is offering the option to pay for your CSA in installments.

News

Montgomery County Historical Society’s Annual Conference: Dr. Royce Hanson's Remarks

New to the Country, Veterans of the Land- Washington Post Land Link Article

Thrive 2050 - Montgomery County Takes Stock and Plans the Future

Big Ideas: The Future of Food in Montgomery County

Your New Years Resolutions Need a CSA

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