Howard County moves to expand role of Agricultural Preservation Board, farmers urge support

Council Bill 63 proposes legislative changes to the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Act to clarify the board’s mission, expand its advisory role beyond easement administration, and transfer staffing responsibilities for the Agricultural Preservation Board to the Office of Community Sustainability.

Amy Gowen of the Department of Planning and Zoning said the bill would update names, broaden the board’s role to address agricultural viability and sustainability, and implement an executive reorganization plan to move administrative staffing. James Zahler, the county’s agricultural coordinator, said the change would allow better coordination across county agencies and support farmers.

Farm stakeholders—including Anne Jones (Howard County Agricultural Preservation Board member), Mickey Day (board chair), Howie Figge (Howard County Farm Bureau president) and Kathy Johnson (Howard County Economic Development)—testified in support. They said farmland preservation alone is insufficient and that protecting and sustaining farmers requires broader, coordinated policy tools and advisory functions. "It's clear that the role of the board would shift more towards issues surrounding the easements that are already in the program," said Mr. Day, urging council support.

No opposition speakers were recorded at the hearing segment; the bill proceeded in the council’s legislative process for further consideration.