PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Oct. 2, 2026 – Calvert County Government and the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board announce that applications are being accepted through Nov. 9, 2026, for the county’s Purchase and Retirement (PAR) Fund program.

Established in 1992, the program helps preserve agricultural land by purchasing transferable development rights (TDRs) and permanently removing them from the market. This protects farmland from development.  

The Calvert County Board of Commissioners recently approved a new purchase price of $6,500 per TDR, replacing the $6,230 price approved in September 2025. The county will purchase development rights from willing sellers until TDR funding is exhausted. There is $12.9 million available in the current fiscal year. The annual cycle will conclude by June 2027, the end of fiscal year 2027.

There is no limit on the number of TDRs an owner may sell. Owners of land in Agricultural Preservation Districts may apply. Applications are ranked using a formula established in the Agricultural Preservation Program rules and regulations.

Applications are available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CalvertAgPres. Completed applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. They may be emailed to Jennifer.David@calvertcountymd.gov or submitted by mail to:

Department of Planning & Zoning

Attn: Rural Planner Jennifer David

150 Main St.

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

For more information, email Jennifer David or call 410-535-1600, ext. 2238.  

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay connected with Calvert County Government through the mobile app, newsletters, social media and more at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/StayInformed.

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