Protecting Our Land, Strengthening Our Farms & Growing Our Future

Baltimore County’s agricultural community is one of our greatest assets. With over 250,000 acres outside of the URDL, with over 500 operating farms, Baltimore County is as much a rural county as anything else.

From the Hereford Zone to Monkton, Parkton and Freeland, North County is home to working farms that sustain our local food system, preserve our environment and define the rural character of our County. These lands are scenic and historical. This land was settled as an agricultural center in the 18th century. Today the same lands are productive assets deeply connected to our economy.

Yet these communities face unique challenges from rising operational costs and regulatory complexity to generational turnover, chaotic market dynamics and uncertainty about land use.

And though as One County, we desperately need more housing, a stronger economy and modern infrastructure, Nick believes we can also protect our farmland, support our farmers and build a more affordable, more modern and more unified County, together.

Modernizing Agriculture as an Economic Engine

Agriculture must be treated as a core part of Baltimore County’s economic strategy. And farmers should have a government that works with them—not against them. Nick will focus on removing barriers and building relationships so that farmers have a direct partner in County government and the tools they need to succeed.

• Restructure Agricultural Services within Economic Development: Elevate and modernize the Office of Agricultural Services as part of a broader economic development reorganization, ensuring agriculture is treated as a priority sector with dedicated support.
• Create a Dedicated Agricultural Business Development Team: Establish a team focused on helping farms grow, diversify and access new markets, while proactively identifying opportunities for agricultural investment and innovation.
• Provide Concierge-Level Support for Farmers: Implement a “no wrong door” approach so farmers can navigate permitting, zoning and programs with a single point of contact who is empowered to solve problems.
• Cut the Red Tape: Environmental and land use policies should be practical, predictable, and developed with farmers at the table.

Expanding Markets and Growing Farm Revenue

• Make Baltimore County a Market Maker for Local Agriculture: Expand County-led efforts to connect farms with buyers, including markets, institutions, restaurants and community organizations.
• Expand Farm-to-School and Local Procurement Programs: Prioritize purchasing locally grown food for schools and public facilities to create reliable demand for County farms.
• Strengthen Farmers Markets and Direct Sales Opportunities: Support the expansion of farmers markets, farm stands and local food networks to increase access and visibility for Baltimore County products.
• Relieve the Financial Pressure for Landowners: Work to reduce the financial burden of owning large tracts of land through Land Value Tax reforms, support for generational transfer and property and estate tax programs that specifically aim to keep cash in the hands of farmers and ranchers for generations to come.
• Elevate Agri-Tourism: through incentive programs, public-private marketing partnerships and improved transit networks we should support the wonderful wineries, breweries, event venues and pick-your-own operations that give character and class to our county.

Innovation, Sustainability and the Future of Farming

• Support Sustainable and Regenerative Farming Practices: Partner with farmers to advance soil health, water quality and long-term land productivity through practical, farmer-informed programs.
• Attract Agricultural Innovation and Startups: Support projects like hydroponics start-up Gotham Greens and encourage new agricultural technologies and business models that create jobs and expand food production through Solution Labs and dedicated incubators.
• Expand Controlled-Environment and Urban-Adjacent Agriculture: Nick will position Baltimore County as a hub for greenhouse and indoor farming, leveraging strategic sites and encouraging community and urban gardens.
• Utilize the Agricultural Center as an Innovation Hub: Expand the Ag Center’s role in education, training and technology adoption to support both current farmers and the next generation connecting young and prospective farmers with the resources, mentors and education they can use to usher in the future.

A future that works for everyone.

Baltimore County’s future depends on balance. We must build more housing. We must strengthen our economy. We must protect our environment.

But we must do it in a way that supports our farmers and preserves our rural communities.

Nick’s plan for agriculture ensures that Baltimore County remains a place where farms can thrive, land is protected and every community has the opportunity to prosper.