Pennsylvania is protecting four farms in Chester County and one farm in Montgomery County from residential and commercial development. The farms are being preserved through the state's Farmland Preservation Program, which helps farmers conserve resources, purchase equipment, manage property, and expand their businesses.
The four Chester County farms are the Luke A. Allen Farm, the Kathleen M. Anderson Farm, the Neil J. and Alice E. DeBonaventura Farm, and the Gail A. Emerson Farm. They are all family-owned and have a combined acreage of 147 acres. The Ellen A. Renninger Farm in Montgomery County is 55 acres.
The Farmland Preservation Program allows Pennsylvania to partner with local and county governments to purchase farm development rights. This means that the state and local governments pay farmers for the right to develop their land, but the farmers are still able to own and operate their farms.
Since 1988, Pennsylvania has preserved 6,266 farms and 628,967 acres through the Farmland Preservation Program. The state has invested nearly $1.68 billion in farmland preservation.
"'No farms, no food' is the battle cry for farmland preservation across the country," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "Pennsylvania has led that charge, and families who preserve their farms join forces with government, investing together to ensure that future Pennsylvania families will have green spaces and healthy farmland available to produce food, income and jobs."
The state's investment in farmland preservation is part of a broader effort to conserve natural resources and protect the environment. In 2022, the state rolled out $154 million in conservation funding through its new Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program. The program helps farmers reduce water pollution and improve soil quality.
Nonprofits like Natural Lands have also been working to preserve green spaces in Pennsylvania. The organization helped save the 24-acre Boy Scout Tract in Upper Roxborough from residential development last year.
In Chester County, Natural Lands has helped preserve the 44-acre Aguilar Farm in East Nantmeal Township, the 101-acre Kavanaugh Farm in Upper Oxford Township, and a 90-acre portion of the 218-acre Kirkwood Farm in Willistown Township.
The state's commitment to farmland preservation is a win for farmers, the environment, and future generations. By protecting farmland, Pennsylvania is ensuring that there will be a place to grow food, support jobs, and enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business