About
Learn more about the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP), the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF), and other agricultural planning resources.
Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP)
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF)
What's New
- Howard County's first-ever Office of Agriculture opens!
- Discover the County's ALPP Easement Acquisitions.
Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP)
Howard County has been in the forefront of protecting farmland for several decades using three different methods:
- Since 1984, the purchase of agricultural preservation easements by the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP Purchased),
- Since 1994, the dedication of agricultural preservation parcels to the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Program as provided for in the County’s Zoning Regulations (ALPP Dedicated), and
- Since 1980, the purchase of agricultural preservation easements in Howard County by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF Purchased).
Using these tools, the County has preserved over 23,300 acres of farmland in the Rural West of Howard County over the last 41 years.
The ALPP is currently accepting applications. For the application form and other information, please refer to the tabs below for ALPP Purchased Easements and County Dedicated Easements.
What is ALPP? Through this voluntary program, a farmer whose land meets certain size and soil criteria can offer to sell a perpetual easement to the County, while holding fee simple title to the land and continuing to farm. The farm may be sold, but the easement, which restricts the development of the property, remains with the land and binds future owners.
How do I apply? Please read through the informational links below for the application process and procedures.
| Overview | Application |
| Application Process Procedures | Soil and Water Quality Plan Status |
| Eligibility Criteria | New Payment Terms |
The Howard County ALPP is funded by a dedicated 20% portion of the 1.25% local transfer tax. This steady funding source over the last four decades has been a major key to the ALPP’s success in purchasing ag preservation easements. More recently, the transfer tax revenue is also used to support the farming community through grants, best management practice (BMP) cost share assistance, technical advice and other programming and services provided by the Howard County Office of Ag, the Howard County Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Howard Soil Conservation District (SCD).
Highlights in the FY26 Operating Budget include continued support to the agricultural sector through several successful grant programs :
- The Enhanced Agricultural Grant program with $500,000, administered by EDA and Office of Ag
- The Agricultural Preservation Cost Share BMP grants with $200,000, administered by SCD
- The Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion with $100,000, administered by EDA
The primary regulatory framework for the ALPP is Section 15.500 of the Howard County Code and Section 106.1 of the Howard County Zoning Regulations. In addition to the laws that govern the program, there are many policies that implement its goals.
Howard County Code | Permitted Uses on ALPP Land | Lot Location | Commercial Solar Facilities | Forest Conservation | Conservation Practices | Nontidal Wetland Mitigation
In order for property owners to exercise the lot and dwelling rights they retain upon entering the ALPP purchased easement program, there are certain procedures that must be followed and forms to be filled out.
Unrestricted Lot Process | Owner/Child Lot Process | Letter of Intent | Letter of Understanding/Owner Lot | Letter of Understanding/Child Lot | Tenant House Application
As provided for in the Zoning Regulations, land may be dedicated to the ALPP as a result of:
1) The creation of cluster subdivision residue preservation parcels
2) The creation of Density Exchange Option (DEO) sending preservation parcels
The ALPP is the sole easement holder of the dedicated easements, though no county funds are used to acquire them. The creation of dedicated preservation parcels arise out of private market transactions between the farmer and a developer. Like the ALPP purchased easements, the restrictions against development remain with the land and bind all future owners.
ALPP Resources
In 2024, Howard County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program celebrated its fortieth year of permanently preserving farmland. To celebrate, Howard County Executive, Dr. Calvin Ball, enhanced opportunities for preservation by offering two new payment term options. Now, eligible property owners have the choice between three payment terms, allowing owners to tailor their easement compensation to best fit their needs. Since announcing these terms, two properties have taken advantage of this exciting addition to the program’s benefits. Here is a list of the program’s recent acquisitions.
|
Program |
Settlement Date |
Acres |
Location |
| ALPP Purchased | 2/6/25 | 86.16 | Mount Airy |
| ALPP Purchased | 4/16/24 | 56.02 | Woodbine |
| ALPP Dedicated | 3/28/24 | 19.57 | Glenwood |
| MALPF | 10/26/23 | 14.36 | Woodbine |
| ALPP Purchased | 8/11/23 | 29.24 | Woodbine |
| ALPP Purchased | 2/16/23 | 25.73 | Clarksville |
| ALPP Purchased | 4/13/22 | 24.57 | Ellicott City |
| ALPP Purchased | 3/17/22 | 127.71 | Sykesville |
| ALPP Purchased | 2/23/22 | 40.16 | Woodbine |
| ALPP Purchased | 12/14/21 | 23.97 | Woodbine |
| ALPP Purchased | 6/30/21 | 34.50 | Glenwood |
| ALPP Dedicated | 6/22/21 | 21.19 | Woodbine |
| ALPP Dedicated | 8/10/20 | 21.13 | Woodbine |
James Zoller, Executive Secretary | 410-313-2056
The Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) makes recommendations to the County Executive on the acquisition of new agricultural land preservation easement properties, reviews proposals concerning land already subject to an easement and assists ALPP staff with policy creation and refinement. For information on the current Meeting Agenda, Board Members, Schedule of Meetings, Meeting Location and Directions, Meeting Minutes, and the Rules of Procedure, please visit the Agricultural Preservation Board page.
On October 1, 2018 the Howard County Council passed CB 63-2018, which significantly amended the law that governs the Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) to expand the duties of the Agricultural Preservation Board (APB), and to broaden the provisions of the law beyond the preservation of agricultural land to include the sustainability of agriculture as a viable sector of the County's economy.
The Howard County Agriculture Sustainability and Land Preservation Act (the Act) now provides that, in addition to acquiring agricultural land preservation easements, the County intends to support farming, agricultural endeavors and its investment in easements by offering technical assistance, promoting agribusiness innovation and developing future market opportunities.
The APB now serves in an advisory capacity on agricultural issues to the County Executive, the County Council, the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Hearing Examiner. The APB can also provide outreach and education regarding the ALPP to the public, and serve as a sounding board for citizen concerns and complaints related to farming.
James Zoller, Administrator, Office of Agriculture, is the Executive Secretary to the APB. As the County's liaison to the agricultural community, Mr. Zoller is the primary contact for general farming related issues and concerns, which he will field to the appropriate county department and assist with a resolution.
Commercial Solar Facilities are permitted on Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Program Easements (County Purchased & County Dedicated) in accordance with the Renewable Energy Certainty Act (HB1036). These projects are required to go to the Agricultural Preservation Board for Advisory Comments per Section 15.503(h)(2)(i)(d) of the Howard County Code.
Please review the DPZ Policy Memo to learn how HB1036 is being implemented in Howard County. More information about the Agricultural Preservation Board review process if forthcoming; however, the Board’s current policy is linked below.
Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP) Commercial Solar Facilities Policy
Access the Processing Timelines and Road Frontage Requirements for Commercial Solar Facilities.
What is the tax credit?
An agricultural land preservation tax credit shall be granted to all properties on which an easement has been permanently conveyed to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) or the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP). The credit shall equal 75% of any County property tax imposed on the land, not including any improvements.
The Agriculture Credit will be noted on your Real Property Tax Bill under "Charge Description".
When and how do I apply? As a result of CB1-2023, property owners no longer need to apply annually for the tax credit. If you have previously applied for the credit, it will automatically renew every year. You do not need to apply annually for the credit.
If you are new to MALPF or ALPP, you must initially apply for the tax credit by April 1 preceding the new tax year.
Please contact Joy Levy at 410-313-5407 with any additional questions.
What if I don’t want the tax credit? If you do not want to receive the tax credit, you have the option to opt out of the credit on your tax bill. To opt out of the credit, you must notify the Howard County Department of Finance in writing at the following:
Department of Finance
Attn: Tax Credit Department
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City MD 21043
The ALPP works closely with other agencies within the County to provide support to the agricultural community. Follow the links below for more information on the Howard County Office of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Program within the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), the Howard Soil Conservation District (SCD), the Maryland Agricultural & Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), and the University of Maryland Extension.
Howard County Office of Agriculture | HCEDA Agricultural Marketing Program | Howard Soil Conservation District | MARBIDCO | University of Maryland Extension
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF)
In addition to easements purchased by the Howard County ALPP, the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) program also purchases agricultural easements, and has acquired almost 4,000 easement acres in Howard County. The MALPF program is administered locally, which means that any questions or requests pertaining to MALPF properties should be directed to Joy Levy.
For detailed information about the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF), please visit the state website.
MALPF easements established prior to 2004 allow a property owner to petition to buy back their development rights from the State after 25 years. In order to terminate an easement, it must be demonstrated that profitable farming is no longer feasible on the property.
Both MALPF and the County's governing body must approve the owner's request. While MALPF's review is focused on economic feasibility, the County's review is focused on local land use priorities, including consistency with comprehensive planning goals and impacts to vicinal properties.
Over 23,300 acres in Howard County are protected by an agricultural easement, however; only 4,045 are MALPF easement properties and are therefore potentially eligible to terminate. The other 19,180 acres are county easements and are not eligible to terminate. The document below provides additional details regarding County policy on termination of MALPF easements.
Farmland Forever Signs
Farmland Forever signs are available to property owners in the ALPP. If you would like to show your pride in preservation, please complete and return the form to Joy Levy, ALPP Administrator at 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The County will construct the sign post and install the sign. There is no cost to program participants for the sign or installation.
Howard County Preserved Lands Interactive Map
Use the Howard County Preserved Lands Interactive Map to discover preservation easements in Howard County!
Grants and Financing
Now accepting applications
Howard County Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion (AGIE) is for Howard County’s agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations. Eligible applicants must be a crop or livestock producer or processor, agricultural cooperative, seafood processor, or primary or secondary timber products processor.
Applicants can receive grants from $1,000.00 up to $20,000.00 for research and development, production buildings, major fixtures, processing facilities, etc. There is one annual grant cycle each year. Grant applications will be accepted throughout the year (August – June) subject to funding availability and due by the posted June deadline.
Please note: Completed applications are due June 15 and emailed to kljohnson@hceda.org
Visit Howard County Economic Development Authority's Agriculture Grants & Financing webpage for more information.
Applications now being accepted thru Feb 20th.
Howard County Enhanced Agricultural Grant is designed to preserve and support agriculture in Howard County through funding for programming, research, and capital investments. Eligible projects must contribute to the expansion, sustainability, or education of agriculture in the county.
Applicants may request grants ranging from $20,000 to $250,000. The total pool of available funding is $500,000, and awards are typically distributed among multiple applicants. Funding is provided through the Howard County Agricultural Preservation Fund and administered by the Howard County Economic Development Authority in partnership with the Howard County Office of Agriculture.
Download Howard County Enhanced Agricultural Grant Application
Check back later or visit Howard County Economic Development Authority's Agriculture Grants & Financing webpage for more information about the next application cycle.