New Farmer Program Information and Application

Thanks for your interest in the New Farmer Project!
Applications are submitted during sign up periods. Applicant will submit materials to the Montgomery County, Office of Agriculture.

Application Procedure

Advisors/OAG will review the applicants and invite the highest rated applicants for interviews. The ratings will be based on the following criteria:
  • Thoughtful enterprise concept that demonstrates a good market opportunity
  • Minimum of 1-3 years(s) farm experience
  • Work history/references
  • How agriculture/horticulture training will support future business plans
  • Personal capacity to take risk: resources to cover living expense
  • Awareness of sustainable farming principles
Montgomery County has the ability to accept or deny any and all applicants. Applicants will be advised of their status in December.
All information pertaining to new farm businesses will remain confidential throughout the process.
Landowners will assess the compatibility of the applications in relation to their properties:
  • Equipment and resource use compatibility with existing land use
  • Traffic and land use issues
  • Financial and social goals
Contract/lease will be negotiated and signed by new farmer and land owner. (Please note that Montgomery County will not be a party to the lease agreement.)

Training

Classroom training will occur from January  through March , and will likely be held once a week in the evening.
Equipment training will occur as the weather permits.
The following topics can be augmented depending on the needs of the group.  In no particular order, the proposed topics include:
  • The importance of Customer Validation - Does your proposed product "fit" the local market?
  • Marketing
  • Business Planning & Enterprise Selection
  • Soils & composting
  • Agritourism  
  • Value-Added Products
  • Equipment & Infrastructure
  • Farm accounting & taxes
  • Best practices to prevent foodborne illnesses
  • Organic Certification
  • Extending the farming season (high tunnels, hoop houses)        
  • Integrated Pest Management 
A huge thank you to UMD Extension, who has agreed to partner with us to coordinate these training programs, as well as assist us with business consulting services for the prospective farmers,  and special thanks to the Montgomery Soil Conservation District, Montgomery Countryside Alliance, and all of the established farmers in the County who support this project.  The New Farmer Project is committed to sustainable agricultural practices…we hope you are, too.

Other Beginning Farmer Resources created by the University Of Maryland Extension include:
Beginning Farmer Resource Guide
Interactive Beginning Farmer Guidebook: this online, self paced course. You will need to create a free account to access the course.

If you have questions, you may Contact Jacqueline Arnold at:
The Office of Agriculture
18410 Muncaster Road
Derwood, Maryland  20855
301-590-2830 (Office)
Jacqueline.Arnold@montgomerycountymd.gov