(a) In each county containing productive agricultural land, the county
governing body shall appoint an agricultural preservation advisory
board.
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the
agricultural preservation advisory board shall consist of five members,
at least three of whom shall be owner-operators of commercial farms
who earn 50 percent or more of their income from farming.
(2) In Worcester County, the agricultural preservation advisory board shall
consist of seven members, at least four of whom shall be
owner-operators of commercial farms who earn 50 percent or more of
their income from farming.
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each member of
an agricultural preservation advisory board shall be appointed for a
term of office of five years.
(2) In Charles County and in Worcester County, a member shall serve a term
of office of 4 years.
(3) No member shall serve for more than two consecutive full terms.
(4) Appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the remainder of the
unexpired term.
(d) Duties of each agricultural preservation advisory board shall be:
(1) To advise the county governing body with respect to the establishment
of agricultural districts and the approval of purchases of easements by
the Foundation within the county;
(2) To assist the county governing body in reviewing the status of
agricultural districts and land under easement;
(3) To advise the Foundation concerning county priorities for agricultural
preservation;
(4) To approve or disapprove an application by the county for certification
under § 5-408 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;
(5) To promote preservation of agriculture within the county by offering
information and assistance to farmers with respect to establishment of
districts and purchase of easements; and
(6) To perform any other duties as assigned by the county governing body.
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