Pennsylvania Invests $7.1M to Preserve 1,905 Acres of Farmland

By Blake Jackson

The Shapiro Administration has announced an investment of nearly $7.1 million to protect 1,905 acres of farmland across 25 farms in 17 counties, ensuring the land remains dedicated to agriculture rather than future residential or commercial development.

“Farmland tells the story of Pennsylvania, of generations who worked the land, cared for its resources, and built communities that endure,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said.

“In this America250 year, and through the 2025-26 budget, the Shapiro Administration is honoring that legacy by protecting our land, water, and soil, supporting the next generation of farmers, and investing in the innovation and infrastructure that will sustain Pennsylvania agriculture for generations to come.”

In 2025 alone, the Commonwealth preserved 167 farms and 14,147 acres of prime farmland, investing over $50.1 million through combined state and local funding. These efforts help ensure farmers have access to high-quality land needed to support families, rural communities, and local jobs.

Through Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, the state partners with counties, municipalities, and nonprofits to purchase development rights from willing landowners. By selling these rights, farmers guarantee their land will remain in agricultural production permanently, safeguarding long-term food security.

Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in farmland preservation. Since voters approved the program in 1988, the state has protected 6,673 farms and nearly 663,000 acres in 58 counties, investing more than $1.84 billion.

Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized that agriculture is both a cornerstone of the state’s heritage and a driver of its economic future. Nearly 49,000 farms contribute $132.5 billion annually to the economy and support close to 600,000 jobs, making agriculture a priority industry in the Commonwealth’s first 10-year Economic Development Strategy in over two decades.

Additional conservation investments, including the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program and partnerships through federal easement and watershed initiatives, further extend the impact of preservation dollars improving soil health, protecting water quality, and strengthening Pennsylvania agriculture for generations to come.

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board has invested $7,084,937 to protect local farmland; you can find the complete list here.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer