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. Additionally, Land Link programs match new, diverse farmers with long-term leases on local farmland, and a reforestation program safeguards air and water. MCA ensures 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.

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

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Montgomery Countryside Alliance is: Less than $500k

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