Montgomery County, MD (August 25, 2025) — The Montgomery County Food Council and Montgomery County Green Bank are proud to announce the winners of Montgomery County Climate Smart Farms Awards. These awards offer local farmers a jump start into climate smart practices on their farm. Each farmer pitched their ideas to reduce their own farms’ vulnerabilities and respond to the “new norms” of climate change and extreme weather events. At the same time, projects awarded showed how they would minimize farm impacts on climate change, to prevent worsening climate change and pollution. We are proud to recognize the innovation and foresight of the below Montgomery County Farms.

The Climate Smart Farm winners are:

• One Acre Farm – Integrating a nanobubbler and biochar to improve water use efficiency, as well as an electric hoe to reduce reliance on diesel tractor cultivation.
• Red Wiggler – Improving human health and safety by incorporating a shade trailer to keep employees and volunteers cool in the field.
• DBA East Oaks – Supporting improved water use efficiency through climate smart irrigation practices.
• Deere Valley Farm – Energy efficient improvements related to a new cold storage installation.
• The Farm at Our House – Improving water and energy conservation through installation of an efficient water storage and irrigation system with a solar powered pump.
• Floribunda – Improving water storage and irrigation system.
• Sandy Springs Gardens – Utilizing a power harrow with seeder attachment to improve soil health and nutrient retention.
• Chirandu Farm – Supporting water use efficiency through irrigation improvements.
• Savage Acres – Piloting a drought resistant alternative forage.
• Chicken of the Woods – Improving water and energy efficiency through water catchment and irrigation improvements, as well as installation of a solar pump.
• Plow and Stars – Improving carbon sequestration of their rotational grazing practices while diversifying the farm’s production through a biodiverse hedgerow.
• Greenway Farms – Installing energy efficient LED grow lights.
• Stelo Acres – Supporting the build of rainwater harvest cribs and improved irrigation.
• Amaranth Acres – Expanding silvopasture and installing fencing to improve fodder and habitat for both livestock and nature.
• AfriThrive – Providing conservation irrigation and cover cropping.

Climate smart agriculture addresses both sides of the issue for farming in an era of climate change, by finding ways to farm that address the realities of climate change, while promoting the most critical, effective solutions for how to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. By focusing on the entirety of how climate change disrupts the food system as a whole, this project seeks to promote the local food system and guarantee a safe, secure, resilient food supply for all.

The Montgomery County Food Council and the Montgomery County Green Bank invite members of the community, local businesses, and other stakeholders to learn more about this initiative and join the effort to build a vibrant, sustainable food ecosystem. Visit the Montgomery County Food Council blog to learn more. Please contact Lorien MacAuley, lorien@mocofoodcouncil.org, with any questions about the MoCo Climate Smart Farm Initiative.

About the Montgomery County Green Bank

The Montgomery County Green Bank is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping businesses and residents affordably implement energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate-resilient solutions. The Montgomery County Green Bank supports Montgomery County, MD by driving investment into energy efficiency and clean energy through lending and investment partners in the region. These efforts include working with homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and commercial entities of all varieties.

About the Montgomery County Food Council

The Montgomery County Food Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a robust, sustainable, and equitable food system. By partnering with local stakeholders, the Council works to improve food security, support local farmers, reduce food waste, and promote environmental stewardship.

Contact: Lorien MacAuley, PhD; Agriculture and Sustainability Specialist; Montgomery County Food Council
(703) 789-7748, lorien@mocofoodcouncil.org