238                                                LAWS OF MARYLAND                                      Ch. 8

As to other provisions that relate to assessment
records, see Title 2, Subtitle 2 of this article.

Defined terms: "Assessment" § 1-101
"Department" . § 1-101 "Property" § 1-101
"Real property" § 1-101 "Supervisor" § 1-101
"Value" § 1-101

8-207. RESERVED.

8-208. RESERVED.

PART II. USE ASSESSMENTS.

8-209. ASSESSING OF FARM OR AGRICULTURAL USE LAND.

(A)  PUBLIC INTEREST.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DECLARES THAT IT IS IN THE GENERAL
PUBLIC INTEREST OF THE STATE TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE FARMING
ACTIVITIES TO:

(1)  MAINTAIN A READILY AVAILABLE SOURCE OF FOOD AND
DAIRY PRODUCTS CLOSE TO THE METROPOLITAN AREAS OF THE STATE;

(2)  ENCOURAGE THE PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACE AS AN
AMENITY NECESSARY FOR HUMAN WELFARE AND HAPPINESS; AND

(3)  PREVENT THE FORCED CONVERSION OF OPEN SPACE LAND
TO MORE INTENSIVE USES BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC PRESSURES CAUSED
BY THE ASSESSMENT OF THE LAND AT RATES OR LEVELS INCOMPATIBLE
WITH ITS PRACTICAL USE FOR FARMING.

(B)  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.

IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE
ASSESSMENT OF FARMLAND:

(1)  BE MAINTAINED AT LEVELS COMPATIBLE WITH THE
CONTINUED USE OF THE LAND FOR FARMING; AND

(2)  NOT BE AFFECTED ADVERSELY BY NEIGHBORING LAND
USES OF A MORE INTENSIVE NATURE.

(C)  HOW VALUED.

LAND THAT IS ACTIVELY USED FOR FARM OR AGRICULTURAL USE
SHALL BE VALUED ON THE BASIS OF THAT USE AND MAY NOT BE ASSESSES
VALUED AS IF SUBDIVIDED.

(D)  HOW ASSESSED.

LAND THAT IS VALUED UNDER SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION
SHALL BE ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF 50% OF ITS USE VALUE.