Pennsylvania Invests Nearly $7.1 Million To Protect 1,905 Acres Of Farmland On 25 Farms In 17 Counties

On February 12, the Department of Agriculture announced Pennsylvania invested nearly $7.1 million to purchase development rights for 1,905 acres on 25 farms in 17 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development.

“Farmland tells the story of Pennsylvania, of generations who worked the land, cared for its resources, and built communities that endure,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “In this America250 year, and through the 2025–26 budget, the Shapiro Administration is honoring that legacy by protecting our land, water, and soil, supporting the next generation of farmers, and investing in the innovation and infrastructure that will sustain Pennsylvania agriculture for generations to come.”

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.

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 preserved farms. Since 1988, when voters statewide overwhelmingly supported creating the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,673 farms and 662,940 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing more than $1.84 billion in state, county, and local funds.

Click Here for a list of farms and farmland preserved by county.

For more information on this program, visit Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation webpage.

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[Posted: February 18, 2026]  PA Environment Digest