A program of Montgomery Countryside Alliance helping farmland and farmers find each other ...
There are currently 16 farms and 37 farmers awaiting a match , presenting a perfect opportunity to grow together .
Land Linked Wildflower Farm . Photo : Farmer Jared Kimler
More than 500 acres in the Ag Reserve brought into production through the Land Link Program
BY CAROLINE TAYLOR
Farmers ! They come from across the nation and
globe seeking to cultivate right here in the Agricultural Reserve . The greatest challenge to increasing food production : access to affordable land . Nearly 60 percent of our farmers are leasing land . Whether by lease or purchase the cost in Montgomery County can be prohibitive , especially for small-scale farmers .
To address this challenge , Montgomery Countryside Alliance launched Land Link in 2011 . Since that time we ’ ve matched farmers through long-term affordable leases on over 500 acres . The farms are small in acreage but big in positive community impact . These linked farms , primarily sustainable or organic , are producing table crops such as tomatoes , greens , corn , pumpkins , figs , persimmons , protein , such as eggs and poultry , and wool . You ’ ll find their products at farm markets , through community supported agriculture subscriptions , and in stores that support local production .
This marvelous collaboration of landowners and producers also has yielded thousands of pounds of healthy food for community members in need through various programs such as Community Food Rescue . And the best of all possible news is when our linked producers take the next step and purchase and establish their own farms here . It ’ s happening . And it matters .
Caroline Taylor is executive director of Montgomery Countryside Alliance and lives with her family on beloved small acreage in the Agricultural Reserve .
7004 Farmer Seeking Land A veteran is looking for 1-2 acres in order to practice what was taught during the VA Farm program for a retired PTSD soldier . Possible shed or small farmhouse to be able to keep the equipment . Water access will be a plus . Looking to plant vegetables and eventually increase productivity .
6096 Farmer Seeking Land We are a family of recent immigrants from Syria , where we owned a 3-acre farm ( table crops and small livestock ), until warfare forced us to leave . We would like to find approximately 3-5 acres of land to cultivate crops and possibly raise small livestock . Access to water , flat tillable acreage , and a long-term lease or renting-to-own are a big plus . The ideal situation would also include housing for our family , or would be located in the eastern part of Montgomery County to facilitate commuting from our current apartment in PG County .
7010 Farmer seeking land WANTED : A small farm . A medical professional interested in organic farming , healthy eating and lifestyle is seeking a small farm to start farming organic food . Farm can be up to 10 acres . Housing on property is a plus . Flexible on terms with land owner . Flat , tillable land with access to water is preferable .
6085 Landowner Seeking Farmer For Lease / Business Partnership / joint ventures 2-16 Rolling Acres in Mount Airy , close to 80 & Rte . 27 . Seeking established market farmer looking for more land or CSA folks needing more space ! We have plenty ! Also willing to explore joint ventures on remaining land . Electric , water & covered garage provided . The land is ripe with potential , bring your experience and ideas .
Learn more : http :// www . mocolandlink . org /