Dept. Of Agriculture Invests $3.1 Million To Protect 784 Acres Of Farmland In 9 Counties

On August 25, the Department of Agriculture announced the investment of $3.166 million to protect 784 acres of farmland on 18 farms in 9 counties to ensure that prime farmland is not lost to development. 

Pennsylvania has now protected 6,094 farms and 614,668 acres in 58 counties from future commercial, industrial or residential development.

The 18 newly preserved farms are in Berks, Centre, Chester, Erie, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

"Preserving farmland is an investment in our economy, our environment, our quality of life, and our future food security," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. "We're proud of that investment and we owe these farm families a debt of gratitude for making a decision that guards their family legacies and benefits all of Pennsylvania."   

By selling their land's development rights, landowners ensure that their farm will remain a farm and never be sold for residential, commercial or industrial development. 

Farm families often sell their land at below market value, donate additional land or agree to conservation practices on their farms in order to leverage additional federal and state money to preserve others' family farms. 

Pennsylvania partners with county and sometimes local governments and non-profits to purchase development rights, ensuring a strong future for farming and food security and leading the nation in the number of preserved farms. 

Since 1988, Pennsylvania has invested more than $1.6 billion to protect open, green spaces and food production for the future.

Click Here for a list of farms protected.

For more information on the program, visit Agriculture's Farmland Preservation webpage.

[Posted: August 25, 2022]  PA Environment Digest