The Agricultural Resources Advisory Commission (ARAC) presented its annual report to the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee on March 13, 2025. ARAC co-chair Dan Donahue summarized the commission’s activities and recommended steps the county could take to support farmers, local food systems and agricultural economic development.

Donahue said ARAC, a largely volunteer body established in 2012 to advise the county executive and council on agricultural issues, has focused on supporting local food systems, strengthening partnerships with the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council and engaging in regional planning conversations. The commission urged expanding opportunities for young people to enter agriculture and noted that three county high schools — High Point High School, Fairmont Heights High School and Gwynn Park High School — offer Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs. Donahue highlighted Gwynn Park’s success placing students in scholarships and competitions.

ARAC recommended that the county consider adding an agricultural planner position to the Economic Development Corporation or similar staff to pursue agricultural tourism and economic development opportunities. Donahue and committee members pointed to Montgomery and Charles counties as examples that have dedicated staff or consistent participation in regional agricultural development efforts.

The commission also advocated for improved access to publicly owned land for farming and consultation with ARAC on Department of Parks and Recreation and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) land that might be used for agriculture or incubator farms. Donahue recounted ARAC’s farm tour and partnerships with the Soil Conservation District and Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), and he noted difficulty in finding local meat processing capacity; he described hauling livestock up to Aberdeen and long processing wait times and said a regional processing facility concept had stalled.

Food insecurity surfaced as a concern. Committee members and Donahue discussed increasing demand at local food banks and how county government might better align farmers, processing capacity and food distribution. Council member Burrows invited further engagement, and staff said county offices would follow up about potential collaboration and program design.

Committee members thanked Donahue for the report and said they would follow up on recommendations, including exploring a farm-and-winery tour for council members and further conversations with the Economic Development Corporation and Parks and Planning about land access.