Howard County is setting its sights on growth in the agricultural sector with the recent signing of a key zoning regulation amendment by County Executive Calvin Ball. Alongside co-sponsor Councilmember David Yungmann, CB74-2025, ZRA-217 was brought into law following a 4 to 1 Howard County Council vote, aiming to give a much-needed push to local agribusiness and agritourism.
"The passage of these new regulations demonstrates what it looks like when we plan boldly and act with purpose," Ball said in a celebration of the legislation's approval. "We are furthering the goals of the County's General Plan, HoCo By Design, by empowering farmers, growing our economy, and expanding opportunities for everyone to experience the best that our local agricultural community has to offer," according to the Howard County website.
The zoning revisions are intended to iron out inconsistencies, add clear definitions, and open the doors to agritourism, which is seen as a promising route for innovation on farms. These include expanded event possibilities, small-scale agritourism ventures, new uses for farm alcohol producers, rural venue spaces for events, incidental outdoor stays, and farm-based bed-and-breakfasts that connect with agriculture.
"Agritourism is critical for the survival of our agriculture industry," Yungmann said, noting the importance of these opportunities, which are growing throughout the state. "I appreciate the efforts of so many leaders from the agriculture community and within county government over the past five years to remove barriers and expand opportunities for our agriculture industry and farming families," he added, as per the Howard County news release.
With over 300 farms making up a historic section of Howard County's economy, the move towards agricultural preservation has seen more than 448 acres saved from development under the Ball-led Agricultural Land Preservation Program (ALPP). Lynda Eisenberg, Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, believes that the updated zoning framework is key to maintaining a strong and adaptable agricultural sector.
"Agritourism is a strategic addition to traditional farming," expressed Jennifer Jones, CEO of Howard County Economic Development Authority, as detailed in the county's press release, highlighting the benefits of giving farms the flexibility and tools needed to thrive. Jones emphasized the positive impact on economic growth for farmers, aiding in their competition while preserving what they do best for the community they serve.
The ZRA is a result of a collaboration between the Howard County Farm Bureau, individual farmers, Councilmember Yungmann, the Ball Administration, and the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Tim Feaga, a 10th-generation Howard County farmer, noted that the legislation is a testament to coding common sense into law, saying, "This legislation is the first step to guaranteeing a viable economic future for many of our farmers," as quoted on the Howard County website.
With the passage of this crucial bill, it is expected that Howard County farms will be able to tap into new revenue streams, introduce younger generations to farming, and offer residents the chance to engage with the local agricultural landscape more intimately, a sentiment echoed by Cathy Hudson, Chair of the Howard County Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board, in her statement on the recent legislative changes.
