Critical Farms Program

Since its inception in 1994, the Critical Farms program has facilitated the transfer of ownership for 66 farms, encompassing a total of 9,826 acres of farmland. The program was created to help farmers compete with non-farmer buyers who oftentimes have resources not available to farmers and therefore are in a more competitive position to buy farmland. Through the Critical Farms program, the County works to provide capital- up to 51% Fair Market Value, determined by an appraisal, to the farm buyers for an option to acquire a temporary easement. The option agreement requires the new farm owner to apply to the state easement program and/or other governmental land preservation programs for a period of five to seven years. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a ratified contract of sale on a farm that meets the program’s minimum criteria. 

Repayment

Once Frederick County has granted the option funds to a farmer, they must apply for a period of 5 years to sell an easement under the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) or another governmental land preservation program. Please see MALPF page. If the applicant is successful in selling an easement to the State, they can then repay the County the original option price.
If the farmer is not successful in the easement sale, they may exit the Critical Farms Program and repay the option price, or they may keep the Critical Farms money and an easement is placed on the property for no further payment.

Accomplishments

Frederick County has assisted 66 farmers in acquiring farms since the inception of the program, which has transferred over 9,826 acres to full-time farmers for continued agricultural use.

County Code for Critical Farms

The application cycle for the Critical Farms Program is currently closed.