Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board

Meetings

• Held quarterly or as needed
• Caroline County Health and Public Services Building
  403 S. Seventh St.
  Denton, Maryland 21629

Members

Name	Role	Type	Term	Term Start	Term End
Elizabeth Carmean	Member	Citizen	First	8/1/22	7/31/27
Ian Mitchell	Member	Citizen	First	9/23/19	9/22/24
Greg Harris	Member	50% Farming Income	First	9/23/19	9/22/24
Bryan Saathoff	Member	50% Farming Income	First	9/23/19	9/22/24
James Stafford	Member	50% Farming Income	First	9/23/19	9/22/24

Election

Candidates will be gathered with dual efforts of the Board Liaison and the Commissioners Office before submitting names for the Commissioners' approval. 

Composition

The board shall consist of five members, at least three of whom shall be owner-operators of commercial farms who earn 50% or more of their income from farming.

Term of Office

No member shall serve for more than two consecutive full terms. Appointments to fill a vacancy shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term. Each member shall be appointed for a term of five years.

Charge / Authority

(Maryland Code, Agriculture Article 2 § 504-1)
The board is responsible for completing the following tasks:

• To advise the Commissioners with respect to the establishment of agricultural districts and the approval of purchases of easements within the County by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation
• To advise the foundation concerning county priorities for agricultural preservation
• To approve or disapprove an application by the county for certification under § 5-408 of the State Finance and Procurement Article
• To assist the Commissioners in reviewing the status of agricultural districts and land under easement
• To promote preservation of agriculture within the county by offering information and assistance to farmers with respect to establishment of districts and purchase of easements.