By Blake Jackson
The Shapiro Administration announced a $10.2 million investment to preserve 2,842 acres on 31 farms across 13 counties in Pennsylvania. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect farmland from future residential and commercial development.
In total, Pennsylvania preserved 167 farms and 13,847 acres of prime farmland in 2024, committing over $50.6 million to this cause. These efforts aim to ensure that farmers have access to quality land, supporting local communities, families, and jobs.
“Saving farmland for producing food, rather than losing it to warehouses and sprawl is an investment we can’t afford not to make,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Farmers face fierce competition from developers seeking to buy their land. The Shapiro Administration is committed to joining farm families and county and local government to protect our valuable land as an investment that will feed our families and economy in the future.”
This investment in farmland easements complements Pennsylvania's conservation programs, including the $154 million Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), Clean & Green tax incentives, and $13 million annually in Resource Enhancement and Protection tax credits. These programs enhance conservation efforts, protect clean water, and improve soil health.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-25 budget includes additional funding for agriculture and conservation. This includes a $10 million Agriculture Innovation Grant, $35 million for ACAP, and $5 million for the Nutrient Management fund.
Since the creation of the Farmland Preservation Program in 1988, Pennsylvania has preserved 6,482 farms and 646,754 acres of farmland. The state has invested more than $1.7 billion in preserving farmland through state, county, and local funds.
The state works in partnership with county, local governments, and nonprofits to purchase development rights from farmers, ensuring that their land will remain agricultural and not be sold for development. By selling these rights, farm owners ensure that their farms stay productive and contribute to the local food supply.
A breakdown of the $10.2 million investment includes various counties, with funds allocated to specific farms. For example, Berks County received $760,925 for farms like the 45-acre crop and livestock farm of Samuel F. and Sadie G. Lapp, while York County received $2.5 million for several preserved farms, including the 163-acre farm of Robert L. Jr. and Sharon K. Baumgardner.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program and efforts to secure a sustainable agricultural future, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/newsroom/pa-invests--10-2-million-to-ensure-31-farms-in-13-counties-stay-.html.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy