Montgomery County, Maryland has a long history of preserving its rural landscape, and recognizing the importance of its agricultural uses, historic sites and unique open spaces. Since the creation of the Agricultural Reserve in 1980, Montgomery County has been a national leader in the development of innovative land conservation policies. A new diversification of the rural economy offers the opportunity to enhance the economic potential of its agricultural land, it also poses the challenge of how to regulate these activities while protecting the core agricultural, natural and scenic assets of these lands as well as the residential communities that surround them. The County commissioned EPR, working with Rhodeside and Harwell, to conduct a study of the overall County Code in the context of updating it to enhance opportunities for agritourism while protecting the historic and environmental heritage of the Agricultural Reserve. EPR’s work consists of assessing the feasibility of, and recommending, potential modifications to the County’s existing regulatory framework to manage and regulate activities that support protection of the Agricultural Reserve while allowing for an economic return to farmers, through strategies such as farm-to-table venues, agritourism, education, and event management. In addition, EPR will select applicable national best practices, as researched by the consultant team for regulations that support the incorporate of agricultural economic development into the County’s codes and regulations.