Nearly $10 Million Invested To Protect 2,672 Acres Of Prime Farmland On 25 Farms In 18 Counties

On June 12, the Department of Agriculture announced the investment of nearly $10 million to purchase development rights for 2,672 acres on 35 farms in 18 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development. 

These joint investments by state and local governments ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have the prime-quality land they need to continue feeding our families and supporting jobs and communities in the future. 

Since the Shapiro Administration began, Pennsylvania has invested $125.2 million to preserve 415 new farms and 35,177 prime acres of farmland across the state.

“Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets. The Shapiro Administration continues to stand up for Pennsylvania’s farmers by supporting the contributions they have made to seal our reputation as a national leader, and by investing to protect and improve the resources they need tomorrow, and the innovations that will keep PA on top.”

Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, when voters overwhelmingly supported creating the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,564 farms and  654,551 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing nearly $1.76 billion in state, county, and local funds.

The state partners with local governments and nonprofits to purchase development rights for preservation, ensuring a strong future for farming and food security. 

By selling development rights, farm owners ensure that their farms will remain productive farms and never be sold to developers. 

The 600-acre Holl Farm — Cumberland County’s largest preserved farm to date — will leverage federal dollars to preserve farms on the county’s wait list by virtue of participating in the federal government’s easement program in 2024.

Click Here for the list of farms preserved and the announcement.

Visit Agriculture's Farmland Preservation Program webpage to learn more.

Related Article:

-- Natural Lands Preserves 72 Acre Forest Along Kittatinny Ridge; First Success Of Carbon County Open Space Grant Program  [PaEN] 

[Posted: June 12, 2025]  PA Environment Digest