QUESTION B - CHARTER AMENDMENT (BILL 49-25)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT This Charter Amendment establishes a Department of Agriculture to promote and support farming and agriculture in Baltimore County as a viable component of the county's economic section, including encouraging local food production and distribution to improve access to food for County residents. This would amend Section 504 of the Baltimore County Charter and add Sections 542.9 and 542.10 to the Baltimore County Charter. Various agriculture issues will continue to be handled by other County agencies depending on the subject matter. As an example, agriculture land preservation is currently handled by the Department of Planning; local food initiatives are currently handled by the Department of Health; and agricultural tourism is handled by the Department of Economic and Workforce Development. A vote FOR the amendment would create a Department of Agriculture to support farming and agriculture in Baltimore County and encourage local food production and distribution to improve access to food for County residents. A vote AGAINST the amendment does not create a Department of Agriculture, and the current County Charter would remain unchanged.