By Blake Jackson
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has achieved a major agricultural milestone by preserving its 20,000th acre of farmland.
This accomplishment was reached with the recent purchase of a 114-acre conservation easement in Peters Township, owned by Daniel and Amy Hershberger. The purchase was made for $284,450 through the county’s Agricultural Land Preservation Fund.
This marks the 164th farm preserved since Franklin County joined the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program in 1990. The program helps protect prime farmland by purchasing easements that prevent development.
“Preserving 20,000 acres of farmland is a great milestone for our county. As commissioners, we are happy to accomplish this goal, and we look forward to reaching the next milestone,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst.
Franklin County ranks 10th among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties for total acres preserved. Across the state, over 652,000 acres on more than 6,500 farms have been permanently preserved since the program began in 1988.
The Commonwealth leads the nation in farmland preservation, investing nearly $1.76 billion into the program.
Eligible farms must be at least 35 acres, have a conservation plan, and be located in an established Agricultural Security Area. Applications are ranked by soil quality, agricultural potential, and historical significance.
The preservation process involves both county and state review, with counties often contributing funds alongside state dollars. Since 1990, Franklin County and Pennsylvania have invested over $43.9 million to protect farmland.
Currently, 851 additional acres on nine farms are awaiting state board review in 2025. Meanwhile, 1,300 acres are being processed and 61 more farms are on the waiting list.
Franklin County’s ongoing commitment helps ensure future generations will benefit from the region’s agricultural heritage. For more information, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business