Urban Agricultural Conservation

Urban farming is growing in Prince George's County! Urban farm enterprises range from cultivating fruit and vegetables in raised beds and cut-flowers in high tunnels to beekeeping and growing herbs, mushrooms, and microgreens indoors. Our residents start urban farms for a variety of reasons including growing healthy food for underserved communities and generating a supplemental income. The University of Maryland Extension has developed an insightful factsheet, What is Urban Agriculture? that we suggest you check out in addition to this page on the importance of urban farms in Prince George's County.

Through its Urban Agricultural Conservation Program (UAC), the District provides urban farmers and other stakeholders engaged in urban agricultural activities with the tools and services needed to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to conserve soil and water resources. Urban soils are important to protect because they are found in watersheds that provide drinking water, food, waste utilization, and natural resources to communities. Typically, these soils have been manipulated and may be contaminated. District staff can help identify climate-smart solutions to improve the health and productivity of urban soils for growing food and mitigating stormwater runoff. The District includes urban and peri-urban farm parcels without an Agricultural Use Assessment from the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation in the UAC Program as they are subject to different permits and regulations that may not be required for agriculturally assessed parcels. While urban agriculture is allowed by right in Prince George's County, there are a few steps that urban farmers can take to legitimize their operations, support positive perceptions of urban agriculture, and increase the overall success of their operations. Please contact us for assistance!

What is Urban Agriculture?

Urban Ag Conservation

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Urban Ag Conservation Program