Land Link: Matching Farmers with Land

MCA is embarking on a Land Link Program that will link new and experienced farmers with landowners seeking to offer long term leases or other arrangements. We are in the beginning stages of accessing needs and gathering interested applicants. Please click here to learn more.

“Bait and Switch on Outer Beltway”

Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of MCA partner organization Coalition for Smarter Growth, has written an op-ed in Greater Greater Washington on the possibility that Virginia State Officials will attempt to add the Outer Beltway, also called the “Techway” or more aptly, “Truckway”, to an already approved batch of transportation projects.

Fighting this proposed highway (that would Bisect the Reserve)  was what brought MCA into existence in 2001 and we will be monitoring this troubling development vigilantly.

School Garden Victory!

Our Friends at Montgomery Victory Gardens report that the County has finally allowed vegetable gardens at County schools. Read all about it here.

State Senator Jamie Raskin and Delegate Eric Luedtke  have introduced  bills that would encourage school veggie gardens across the state. The bill is still being amended but the language is here. You can call members of the education committee to show your support:

Contact the House Education Committee and say ” Please support HB 524″
Contact the Senate Education Committee and say “Please support SB 791″

Thanks to our pals at Montgomery Victory Gardens for keeping us up to date on school gardens.

Upcoming State Bills on Agriculture: Weigh in now!

Our Friends at Future Harvest have put together a list of bills in the MD  General Assembly that will potentially impact sustainable agriculture, the environment and public health. Click here to learn more

We note one bill in particular, HB 754 that will prohibit any arsenic laden chicken feed from being used or sold in the sate. Call us crazy but this seems like common sense. MCA has been working on this issue for some time. Click here for particulars.

A new movie about Bee Colony Collapse (Video)

What keeps the wheels of agriculture buzzing? The answer is  bees. Scientists have been documenting huge die-offs in bee population, thought to be the result of an over-reliance on chemical pesticides. The critically acclaimed new movie, “Queen of the Sun” is a meditation on  this Colony Collapse, and  efforts to help bees bounce back.  MCA is hoping to host a screening of this movie, in the mean time, here is the trailer. Have thoughts on the trailer, join the conversation on our facebook page.

Parks Bill Withdrawn!

Great News! Bill MC/PG 112-11 has been withdrawn by the County Executive! The bill would have reduced park funding and made parks less safe by merging the MC Police and Park Police, all without providing the cost savings the Executive was looking for.

The Coalition of groups that has partnered to be come Save our Parks Montgomery will  hold a strategy session on this issue to be ready should another similar proposal come along.

Thank You to all those that wrote or called the Council, you really made a difference!

More info below…

Save Our Parks Montgomery has released an alert on General Assembly bill MC/PG112-11.

Among other things, the bill will take control of the parks away from the independent Park and Planning Commission and put it under County Executive control.

MCA is following this bill closely, it is being voted on today (Monday February 14th) at the Council and will be heard in Annapolis on February the 25th.

Click the links below for more information.

Audubon Naturalist Society’s Testimony

Parks Matter page of Montgomery County Parks Site

Maryland Bag Bill via Pick Up America!

Please see Pick Up America’s e-news for information on the much needed Bag Bill that will be voted on in Maryland’s legislature this year.

Pick Up America was started by two Maryland residents last year.  They, and their growing group, seek to bring attention to our society’s predilection to dispose…of everything…and poorly.  Their mini-documentary reveals young people who care enough to put their principles to work.

Washington Post Editorial supporting the bill is here.

Producers Summit (Feb 25) and Producers Survey

MCA is partnering with Rocklands Farm, Full Plate Ventures and Historic Medley District to host a Producers Summit to discuss the challenges and victories of farming in and around the Ag Reserve. As part of this effort we have put together a 15 minute survey to capture what needs producers have.We seek to find ways we can work together to keep our Ag Sector strong.

Click Here to take the survey or RSVP to the Producer’s Summit-February 25 from  9-11am at Poolesville’s Old Town Hall (19933 Fisher Avenue)