More farmers want to take advantage of a Frederick County farmland preservation program this year than in past years.
Tim Blaser, program administrator for the county planning office’s Agricultural Land Preservation program, told county commissioners Tuesday morning that 19 property owners applied to be part of the program this year.
Landowners get paid to preserve their land for farm use permanently through agricultural preservation easements. The money comes from real estate transfer taxes, not from county coffers.
The county will pursue easements on the top 10 of these properties. Blaser estimates there is enough money for seven easements. In case a property owner decides not to go through with an easement, the next farm on the list would be considered.