By Blake Jackson
The Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation Board is now accepting applications for two competitive farmland preservation programs funded by the Chester County Commissioners: the Commonwealth/County Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program.
Since their inception, these programs have helped preserve over 590 farms, protecting more than 45,000 acres of farmland within Chester County.
Both programs provide financial incentives to eligible farm owners who wish to preserve their land. In exchange for a permanent agricultural conservation easement, the county compensates landowners for their development rights.
Landowners retain ownership of their farms and can sell or transfer them, provided the land remains dedicated to agricultural use.
Eligibility requirements include having at least 10 acres of tillable land that borders other permanently preserved farmland. For farms that do not share a boundary with preserved land, the minimum acreage required is 35 acres for the Commonwealth/County Program and 25 acres for the Challenge Grant Program.
Applications for both programs must be submitted by the first Friday in August, which falls on August 1, 2025. For further details, program guidelines, and to access applications, visit chesco.org/4618/Farmland-Preservation.
Questions can also be directed to Geoff Shellington at 610-344-6504 or via email at gshellington@chesco.org. These programs offer valuable opportunities to protect Chester County’s agricultural heritage for future generations.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy