By Blake Jackson
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Talview Dairy Farm in Lebanon County to celebrate a historic milestone the preservation of more than 6,600 farms and 650,000 acres of farmland across Pennsylvania, the most of any state in the nation.
The Farmland Preservation Program is a joint effort among state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to protect prime farmland for future generations.
At Talview Dairy, Governor Shapiro reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to farmers, highlighting Pennsylvania’s leadership in farmland preservation and agricultural innovation.
“With today’s milestone, Pennsylvania has helped preserve more than 6,600 farms - more than any other state in the nation. That means our family farms can stay farms forever - preserving this way of life and creating more opportunity for multigenerational farmers like the Copenhavers, who are a central part of Pennsylvania’s economy," Shapiro said.
"Agriculture plays an essential role in the economic future of our Commonwealth and by investing in preservation, innovation, and conservation - we’re making sure that this critical sector remains one of Pennsylvania’s strongest industries for generations to come.”
The Copenhaver family, now in their sixth generation at Talview Dairy, represents thousands of Pennsylvania farm families who have partnered with state and local governments to permanently protect farmland from development.
Since Governor Shapiro took office, Pennsylvania has invested over $140 million to preserve 472 farms and nearly 39,300 acres. Just last week, the state invested $5.7 million to protect 2,079 acres on 24 farms across 14 counties.
Pennsylvania leads the nation with 6,621 preserved farms across 58 counties, with a total investment exceeding $1.78 billion. “A farm is the highest and best use of land,” said Secretary Redding.
“When farmland is sold to become warehouses or housing developments, it’s gone forever. By preserving high-quality farmland, we’re keeping a promise to future generations that Pennsylvania will continue to feed our nation and strengthen our economy.”
The state’s Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) has helped over 2,000 farmers implement conservation practices that improve soil and water health.
Programs like these, along with support from the Center for Dairy Excellence and Penn State Extension, ensure a secure future for farms like the Copenhavers’ and for the next generation of Pennsylvania farmers.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy