Every minute of every day, three acres of farmland disappear in the US. Deeply engaged in safeguarding Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve, MCA advocates for land and transportation policies that encourage farmland preservation, forest protection, and improved water quality – for the benefit of the entire region. MCA works to support current farmers and add to their ranks; to advocate for regenerative agriculture practices (those that enrich produce and improve, rather than degrade, the land); and to increase the presence of local food in area markets, restaurants, schools, and food banks. An online and printed agricultural guide, an elementary and high school education program, and regular testimony at local and state legislatures, ensure that politicians, students, and the public are educated about the economic and social value of local farms, and the necessity of growing cities and farms in harmony. A note on our financials: Our budget this fiscal year is $340,000.
Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County
Where They Operate: MD-Montgomery County; MD-Frederick County; Poolesville; Darnestown; Clarksburg; Boyds; Dickerson; Barnesville
Population(s) Served: All
Schools They Work In: Poolesville High School Global Ecology Program; Damascus High School; Sherwood High School; A partnership between MCA and the MoCo Farm Bureau is bringing Mobile Ag Lab is bringing hands-on agriculture experiences to every Montgomery County Elementary School Student over the next 5 years.
- Acreage of new farm business through our Land Link Program :
400 - # of High School Students per year reached by our Ag Ed Program:
200 - MCPS Elementary Students reached by Mobile Ag Labs:
31,500 (so far)
Awards & Recognition
2019 Joe Howard Award Environmental Award
2019 Montgomery Magazine Charity of the Year
2012 Wayne Goldstien Award, Montgomery Civic Federation
2009 Montgomery County Park and Planning Cert. of Excellence
2005 Montgomery County Park and Planning Cert. of Excellence
Press
- A New Generation of Farmers Putting Down Roots in Montgomery County
Mon Aug 16 2021, Bethesda Beat
Profiles of participants in MCA's Land Link program, which "links" farmers to property owners in the county.
- New to the County, Veterans of the Land
Wed Jan 22 2020, Washington Post
MCA's land link program connects new farmers and local landowners. Profile of two immigrant farmers who have founded farms in MoCo.
- Montgomery Countryside Alliance Provides "Re-Leaf" to the Agricultural Reserve
Wed May 1 2019, My MC Media
MCA launches Re-Leaf the Reserve project to re-forest areas in stream buffers by planting native trees to battle climate change.
- Common Ground Market Opening in Beallsville on June 12
Thu Jun 9 2016, My MC Media
"We are so proud to be part of bringing this new market to fruition," said Caroline Taylor, executive director of MCA
- Field of Dreams
Mon Sep 1 2014, Bethesda Magazine
A Profile of Poolesville's Rocklands Farm. MCA has worked closely with Rocklands since their founding in 2010.
Budget (FY2014)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for Montgomery Countryside Alliance is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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