Agricultural Land Preservation

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1977 and is part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The Foundation purchases permanent easements that forever preserve prime farmland and woodland. The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the Nation. Maryland has preserved in perpetuity more agricultural land than any other state in the nation. 

How Can MALPF Help You?

If you are the owner of eligible farmland and/or woodland, the Foundation can help you by purchasing an agricultural preservation easement on your property. This will ensure that your property remains agricultural in perpetuity. In Caroline County the state has paid in recent years between $2,000 and $4,000 per acre for agricultural preservation easements. 

For more detailed information visit the MALPF home page.


The application to apply for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) for Fiscal Year 2024, is now available.  FY2024 MALPF Application   Applications are due to Beth Beales in the Planning & Codes office by April 28, 2023.


Caroline County Land Preservation Agricultural Advisory Board

The Caroline County Land Preservation Advisory Board is composed of five residents of Caroline County, at least three of whom must be owner operators of commercial farms who earn 50% or more of their income from farming. Meetings are held quarterly or as needed to discuss Agricultural Land Preservation Issues in Caroline County. Meetings are held at the Caroline County Health and Public Services Building, 403 S. Seventh Street, Denton. 


Members

  • Elizabeth Carmean
  • Jamie Stafford
  • Ian Mitchell
  • Greg Harris
  • Bryan Saathoff

View a map of Agricultural Preservation in Caroline County.


For more information on Agricultural Preservation Programs in Caroline County contact Beth Beales, 410-479-8113.