HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced a $12 million investment to preserve 3,187 acres of farmland across 29 farms in 17 counties, reinforcing its commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s agricultural resources. This initiative ensures that prime-quality farmland will remain dedicated to farming, rather than being developed for residential or commercial purposes.
“Pennsylvania has some of the most productive farmland in the nation,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets.”
The preserved acreage is part of the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, which, since its inception in 1988, has safeguarded 6,530 farms spanning 652,085 acres in 58 counties. The program, a collaborative effort between state, county, and local governments, enables farmers to sell development rights, ensuring their land remains dedicated to agriculture indefinitely.
Among the notable preservation efforts this cycle is the 600-acre Holl Farm in Cumberland County, the largest farm protected in the county to date. Leveraging federal funds, this preservation effort will also enable the county to reduce its waitlist for future projects.
This investment aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s agricultural priorities, reflected in his proposed 2025-26 budget. Key initiatives include increasing funding for agricultural innovation grants, food assistance programs, and sustainability efforts, such as the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). Since 2023, ACAP has assisted nearly 2,000 farmers in adopting practices that improve soil and water quality across the state.
Over the past year, Pennsylvania has added 380 preserved farms, covering 32,505 acres, to its portfolio. The state continues to lead the nation in farmland preservation, recognizing the vital role agriculture plays in supporting a $132.5 billion economy and nearly 600,000 jobs.
The 29 farms preserved in this most recent investment represent a diverse range of operations, from crop production to livestock and poultry farming, underscoring Pennsylvania’s agricultural richness and the importance of securing its future for generations to come.
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