September 3, 2024 Deadline Set
FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick County Agricultural Land Preservation Program is now accepting applications for the Installment Purchase Program (IPP) easement program. The IPP is the County’s farmland preservation program, which purchases agricultural preservation easements that forever restrict development on prime farmland and woodland.
The Installment Purchase Program was established by the Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County in 2002. Through the use of Installment Purchase Agreements, the program pays the farmer tax-free interest over a 10- to 20-year term, with a balloon lump sum principal payment at the end of the term.
For the first time since 2015, the per acre easement value for the IPP has increased.
“Agricultural land preservation programs provide many opportunities to protect our farmlands and natural resources,” said Katie Stevens, Director of the Frederick County Office of Agriculture. “We appreciate County Executive Jessica Fitzwater’s commitment to preserving our farmlands by signing off on an increase in the easement value for this important program”
Since the IPP began in 2002, it has preserved more than 22,881 acres of farmland in Frederick County on 163 different properties. IPP is one of several agricultural preservation programs managed by the Frederick County Office of Agriculture. Together, all programs have preserved over 77,419 acres of farmland in Frederick County, of which 73,514 acres have been permanently preserved.
Requirements for the program can be found on the Office of Agriculture website at https://frederickcountymd.gov/8570/Installment-Purchase-Program-IPP. Interested applicants should contact the Land Preservation Administrator Shannon O’Neil no later than Tuesday, September 3 by calling 301-600-1411 or via e-mail at soneil@frederickcountymd.gov.
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Contact: Shannon O'Neil, Land Preservation Administrator
Office of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Preservation
301-600-1411