By Blake Jackson
Franklin County Commissioners have approved $278,546 for farmland preservation, leveraging state funds to add $973,546 to the county's program.
This investment aims to protect valuable agricultural land from development, bringing Franklin County's total preserved farmland to approximately 21,500 acres.
The county participates in the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, which allows the state, county, and local governments to purchase conservation easements from farmers.
Landowners apply to the county, and ranked applications are forwarded to the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board for approval. Participating counties receive state funding and often contribute matching funds.
Since 1990, Franklin County and the commonwealth have invested over $43.9 million, preserving 160 area farms and more than 19,600 acres.
Nine additional farms, totaling 851 acres, are under state board review for 2025. The county is also poised to reach a significant milestone, preserving its 20,000th acre later this year.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Franklin County’s heritage and a strong component of our local economy,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Over 40% of Franklin County land is used for agriculture and agriculture-related activities, and Franklin County consistently ranks among Pennsylvania’s top producing counties for commodities like milk, apples, peaches and cattle. We bear those stats as a badge of honor. It is up to local leaders to protect and preserve that way of life for future generations.”
Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation, having invested over $1.7 billion since 1988. To date, 6,482 farms and 646,754 acres have been protected statewide. Franklin County ranks 10th in Pennsylvania for total acres preserved.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sizsus
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy