Farming: The Ag in Ag Reserve

Press forward with programs that support our family farms including Land Link and Labor Link, as well as other programs aimed at growing a robust Ag sector.

Planning and Zoning

Monitor County’s zoning re-write and weigh in to ensure that the Reserve and local farming are properly protected.

Strong Communities

Achieve passage of Montgomery County’s Rural School Policy to ensure that Reserve communities are not penalized for being preserved. Education about the Reserve, its importance, and the value of locally produced food will be achieved through our film, Ag Guides, public presentations, tours etc.

Land Preservation

Secure perpetual preservation of more land through easement programs such as Maryland Environmental Trust. This will be critical to the Reserve’s long term defense against conflicting uses.

Smart growth and transportation

Monitor and weigh in on land use proposals that support smart growth and those that may promote sprawl, such as the Global Mission mega church proposal. The Western Bypass remains a threat, requiring our collective vigilance. The best argument against the “Techway” is a strong Reserve: its farms, natural resources, planning and zoning, communities, conservation easements and, importantly, regional support.

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MCA is proud to announce that we have been selected to be featured in the 2011-12 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. A panel of 110 expert reviewers from area foundations, corporate giving programs, and peer non-profit organizations evaluated 270 applications; MCA is one of 70 outstanding nonprofits to be featured this year. MCA is known as an effective and innovative non-profit whose efforts to preserve and promote Montgomery County’s nationally recognized 93,000 acre Ag Reserve have brought increased public and governmental support of local food production and farmland and open space preservation. Most importantly, MCA’s efforts are putting more farmers on the ground and keeping them there. Find the Press Release here.