Protecting Farmland in Maryland: A Review of the Agricultural Land Preservation Program

During the past ten to twelve years, we have witnessed an acceleration in the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. The rate of conversion averaged approximately three million acres per year between 1970 and 1980. The loss of farmland has been more acute in some states than others. For example, New Hampshire and Rhode Island could lose all their prime farmland by the year 2000 if present rates continue. West Virginia could lose 73% of its prime farmland, Connecticut 70%, Massachusetts 51%, Maryland 44%, Vermont 43%, and Utah 35% if current trends continue.