PA Invests More Than $6.9 Million To Preserve 27 Farms, 2,354 Acres Of Prime Farmland In 13 Counties

On December 11, the Department of Agriculture announced  Pennsylvania is investing more than $6.9 million to purchase development rights for 2,354 acres on 27 farms in 13 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development. 

Among the farms approved are two Adams County farms in Conewago Township that bring the total land Hanover Shoe Farms’ owners have preserved to just over 3,100 acres. 

The Phillips family’s farm in Codorus Township, York County, is the fourth preserved farm for the family, bringing their total preserved acres to 1,000. 

Click Here for a list of farms preserved.

In 2025, Pennsylvania preserved 167 farms and 14,147 prime acres of farmland across the state, investing more than $50.1 million. 

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

“Protecting farmland isn’t just about preserving open space; it’s about safeguarding the resources that feed and sustain all of us,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. 

“High-quality farmland is one of Pennsylvania’s most valuable economic assets. Through the newly enacted 2025–26 budget, the Shapiro Administration is once again delivering real results for Pennsylvania agriculture, investing to protect our priceless land, water, and soil resources, supporting the next generation of farmers, and funding the innovation and infrastructure that will keep Pennsylvania’s farms strong and competitive for decades to come.”

Since the Shapiro Administration began, Pennsylvania has invested nearly $147 million to preserve 499 new farms and 41,628 prime acres of farmland across the state.

Through Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, the state partners with local governments and nonprofits to purchase development rights to preserve farmland, ensuring a strong future for farming and food security. 

By selling development rights, farm owners ensure their farms remain in agricultural production and are never sold to developers.

Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of preserved farms.

Since 1988, when voters statewide overwhelmingly supported creating the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,648 farms and 661,035 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing more than $1.84 billion in state, county, and local funds

These investments — in an area where landowners face immense pressure from residential and commercial developers — will help ensure the future of agriculture in the southcentral part of the state.

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

(Photo: Pennsylvania Photography With Uncovering PA.)

[Posted: December 11, 2025]  PA Environment Digest