Queen Anne’s County Supports Farmland Preservation
At the April 22 Commissioners’ meeting, Queen Anne’s County approved its participation in the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Matching Funds Program—continuing a long-standing commitment to protect working farms and preserve rural heritage.
As a certified county, Queen Anne’s County retains 80% of the Agricultural Transfer Tax collected locally, which is dedicated to farmland preservation through easement acquisitions. The County also receives matching funds from the State, helping maximize the impact of local contributions.
This year, the Commissioners approved contributing $673,689 in Agricultural Transfer Tax and $166,921 in Personal Property Tax (Solar), totaling $840,610. With the State’s initial allocation of $676,568, the combined funding will bring in approximately $2.78 million toward local easement purchases.
Total Funding Breakdown:
- $673,689 – County Agricultural Transfer Tax
- $166,921 – County Personal Property Tax (Solar)
- $676,568 – State Matching Allocation
- $1,260,915 – Additional State Matching Funds
Total Potential: $2,778,093
Queen Anne’s County has proudly participated in this program since 2001, preserving thousands of acres of farmland and open space. Investing in easement acquisition ensures that farmland stays in production, supports our agricultural economy, and maintains the rural character of our community.
This initiative highlights the County’s continued dedication to conservation, smart growth, and responsible land stewardship.
