Pennsylvania Invests $10M to Preserve 2,672 Acres of Farmland

By Blake Jackson

The Shapiro Administration has announced a nearly $10 million investment to purchase development rights on 2,672 acres across 35 farms in 18 Pennsylvania counties, protecting these lands from future residential or commercial development.

This joint effort between state and local governments aims to ensure Pennsylvania farmers retain access to prime farmland needed to sustain local food production, jobs, and communities.

Since the Shapiro Administration took office, Pennsylvania has invested $125.2 million to preserve 415 farms totaling 35,177 acres throughout the state.

“Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,” 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.”

Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget highlights the vital role agriculture plays in Pennsylvania’s economy. The state’s 48,800 farms generate $132.5 billion annually and support nearly 600,000 jobs, making agriculture a key economic driver.

To maintain Pennsylvania’s leadership in agriculture, the Governor’s budget proposes several investments, including $13 million for the Ag Innovation Grant to support cutting-edge agricultural projects.

The grant’s first application period was oversubscribed by nearly $60 million, with 159 applications totaling nearly $70 million.

Additionally, $2 million will support the state’s new animal diagnostic lab in western Pennsylvania, crucial for livestock health, and funding for programs that connect vulnerable Pennsylvanians to local, healthy food will increase by $8 million.

The farmland preserved today builds on Pennsylvania’s long-standing conservation success. Since 1988, the state has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties, investing nearly $1.76 billion through state, county, and local partnerships.

By purchasing development rights, the state ensures these farms remain productive agricultural lands rather than being sold for development.

A total of $9,993,033 was invested in farm preservation by the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board. The list of preserved farms, organized by county, is provided here.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer