Pennsylvania has preserved another 2,645 acres of farmland in 18 counties, investing nearly $9 million in state, county, and local funds.
The newly preserved farms include a variety of operations, from crop farms to poultry operations to dairy farms. The investments will help to ensure the future of farming in Pennsylvania and protect the state's natural resources.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said that Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. He added that these investments will help ensure that future generations of Pennsylvanians can enjoy the benefits of farming, including fresh food, clean water, and a healthy environment.
The Farmland Preservation Program is a voluntary program that partners with farmers to protect their land from development. By selling their development rights to the state, farmers can ensure that their land will remain in agricultural use for generations to come.
The program has been very successful in Pennsylvania, with over 6,200 farms and 628,000 acres preserved since its inception in 1988. The investments announced today will help to continue this success and protect Pennsylvania's farmland for the future.
The Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania is also investing in other conservation initiatives to protect its natural resources. These include the new $154 million Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, which will help farmers reduce water pollution and improve soil quality.
Pennsylvania is also a leader in climate-smart conservation. The state's Farmland Preservation Program recently secured a $7.85 million federal grant to support climate-smart conservation on preserved Pennsylvania farms. This investment will help to improve conservation efforts and help measure their impact.
Pennsylvania is committed to protecting its farmland and natural resources. The investments announced today are a major step forward in this effort.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Poultry, Sustainable Agriculture