As we close out 2024, let’s take a moment to revisit stories that celebrate the past, present, and future excellence of Frederick County’s agriculture and craft beverage industries. Here’s a recap of some of the year’s most impactful Homegrown Frederick blogs:
Historical and Impactful: Frederick County Office of Agriculture
During County Executive Fitzwater’s first State of the County address on October 25, 2023, she announced the creation of Frederick County’s first-ever Office of Agriculture. This initiative merged the Ag Business Development Team from the Office of Economic Development with the Ag Preservation Staff from the Division of Planning and Permitting, streamlining services to better support farms and ag businesses.
On February 20, 2024, the new office officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house, drawing strong community support. Under the leadership of Katie Stevens, the Office of Agriculture is advancing its mission to preserve Frederick County’s farming heritage, assist farmers in their endeavors, and promote a thriving agricultural sector. Its inaugural project—the development of an Agricultural Strategic Plan—is already underway.
Frederick County Awards Grants to Support Agriculture Innovation
Frederick County’s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program continues to inspire creativity and diversification among local farms. In the Spring 2024 grant cycle, $126,448.22 was awarded to eight agricultural businesses. These grants, announced by County Executive Fitzwater, support projects that enhance innovation and ensure the long-term viability of farm operations.
“Farms are a major driver of Frederick County’s economy and farmers are an important part of our community,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “Our award-winning grants help to cultivate a prosperous future for our farms and farmers. The program also fulfills our community-based Transition Team’s recommendation to support a diversified agriculture economy.”
2024 Frederick County Farm Family of the Year: Potomac View Farm
The 2024 Frederick County Ag Awards, held during the Great Frederick Fair, celebrated outstanding contributions to the agricultural community. Among the honorees, the Shafer family of Potomac View Farm was recognized as the Farm Family of the Year.
John and Janie Shafer, their son Wes and his wife Coleen, and their children Solana, Jennifer, and Frances are the heart of this historic dairy farm in Knoxville. A post-Civil War legacy, Potomac View Farm has exemplified dedication to agriculture for generations. The Shafers’ contributions highlight the importance of preserving family farms and agricultural traditions.
Funktional Brewing Co.: Where Craft Beer Meets Health Focused Innovation
Frederick’s renowned craft beer scene welcomed a fresh perspective with Funktional Brewing Co. Founded by Jon Rowley, Tim Olsen, and Josh Ewin, who met at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI), this brewery combines health-focused ingredients with traditional brewing techniques. Their debut product, an Adaptogenic Hazy IPA called “The Key,” explores the intersection of functional ingredients and exceptional flavor. Funktional Brewing Co. represents the forward-thinking spirit that defines Frederick’s craft beverage industry.
Frederick County Celebrates 40 CREP Easements with Peace and Plenty Farm
Since its establishment in 2009 by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) has been a unique easement program protecting agricultural and natural resources statewide. Frederick County reached an impressive milestone in 2024, preserving 40 properties under this program.
The Albaugh family’s Peace and Plenty Farm in Rocky Ridge exemplifies this success. Their 90-acre property, now safeguarded through a CREP easement, underscores the county’s commitment to conservation and sustainable farming practices.
