Mission Statement

The Office of Agriculture's mission is dedicated to advancing Montgomery County as a regional and national leader in agriculture. We champion the agricultural industry by preserving farmland for future generations, supporting the success and resilience of our farm community, and fostering public awareness of agriculture's vital role in our economy, environment, and quality of life. Through strategic partnerships, education, and advocacy, we work to ensure agriculture remains a thriving and integral part of the County's future.

Budget Overview

The total recommended FY27 Operating Budget for the Office of Agriculture is $1,612,814, an increase of $80,299 or 5.24 percent from the FY26 Approved Budget of $1,532,515. Personnel Costs comprise 63.05 percent of the budget for ten full-time position(s) and no part-time position(s), and a total of 5.90 FTEs. Total FTEs may include seasonal or temporary positions and may also reflect workforce charged to or from other departments or funds. Operating Expenses account for the remaining 36.95 percent of the FY27 budget.

The total recommended FY27 Operating Budget for the Office of Agriculture is $1,612,814, an increase of $80,299 or 5.24 percent from the FY26 Approved Budget of $1,532,515. Personnel Costs comprise 63.05 percent of the budget for ten full-time position(s) and no part-time position(s), and a total of 5.90 FTEs. Total FTEs may include seasonal or temporary positions and may also reflect workforce charged to or from other departments or funds. Operating Expenses account for the remaining 36.95 percent of the FY27 budget.

County Priority Outcomes

While this program area supports all eight of the County Result Areas, the following are emphasized:

• A Greener County
• A Growing Economy
• Thriving Youth and Families

Initiatives

• Developing a comprehensive plan to establish a Farm Incubator program at the Agricultural History Farm Park. This initiative is designed to create meaningful opportunities for beginning farmers, including those from historically underserved communities. The Farm Incubator program will provide access to land, shared equipment, mentorship, hands-on training, and other essential resources to support the successful launch and growth of new farm enterprises.

• Developing an outreach strategy to personally engage with farmers of color ahead of the next USDA Agricultural Census in 2027. The office will support and assist under served communities to ensure their representation in the upcoming census.

Innovations and Productivity Improvements

• Transitioned to a more reliable broadband system in order to improve productivity and limit downtime.

Program Descriptions

  Agricultural Services

The Office of Agriculture (OAG) supports and promotes Montgomery County's agricultural industry through a wide range of services. These include implementing agricultural policies and programs, providing financial and technical assistance to farmers, managing agricultural education initiatives, and supporting partner agencies with funding and staffing. OAG also serves as a liaison...

  Soil Conservation

This program is comprised of staff and other resources from Federal, State, and local agricultural agencies. It provides technical and outreach educational assistance to farmers/rural landowners for implementing best management and conservation practices. The Montgomery Soil Conservation District (MSCD) assists the County to achieve the nationally mandated, State-assigned, Rural MS4...

  University of Maryland Extension (UME)

The Montgomery County Extension Office serves as the non-formal outreach and education arm of the University of Maryland. This agency is funded cooperatively through local, State, and Federal governments to make nonformal education accessible to all Montgomery County residents. Adults, families, and youth are the primary audiences Extension programs serve...