By Blake Jackson
The Shapiro Administration has announced a nearly $12 million investment to secure the development rights of 3,187 acres across 29 farms in 17 Pennsylvania counties.
This state and local collaboration aims to safeguard prime agricultural land from future residential or commercial development, ensuring its continued use for food production and supporting the state's economy. Since the Shapiro Administration began, 380 farms and 32,505 acres have been preserved statewide.
“Pennsylvania has some of the most productive farmland in the nation,” 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.”
The budget proposes an additional $13 million for the Ag Innovation Grant, $2 million for a new animal diagnostic laboratory, $4 million to enhance the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, and a $4 million increase for the State Food Purchase Program.
These investments complement initiatives like the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), which supports farmers in implementing sustainable practices.
Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation. Since 1988, the Farmland Preservation Program has protected 6,530 farms and 652,085 acres across 58 counties, with nearly $1.76 billion invested.
The state partners with local entities to purchase development rights, ensuring farms remain productive. The 600-acre Holl Farm in Cumberland County exemplifies this, leveraging federal funds for preservation.
The recent approved easements span Adams, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Carbon, Chester, Cumberland, Fayette, Franklin, Lawrence, Lebanon, Mercer, Montgomery, Northampton, Potter, Schuylkill, and York counties, totaling a $12,149,422 investment. This ongoing commitment underscores Pennsylvania's dedication to its agricultural heritage and future food security.
For complete information visit, https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/newsroom/pa-invests--12-million-to-ensure-that-29-farms--3-187-acres-stay.html
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy