PENNSYLVANIA — The Shapiro Administration recently announced the permanent preservation of 2,553 acres spread across 30 farms in 21 counties. This measure effectively safeguards these lands from any future residential or commercial development.
The investment, exceeding $8.7 million, is part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to land conservation. Throughout 2023, nearly $46.3 million has been dedicated to purchasing land development rights for 13,663 acres on 166 farms. This strategic investment ensures the availability of prime farmland for Pennsylvania farmers, a vital step in securing the state’s agricultural economy.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has consistently supported Pennsylvania’s 52,700 farm families, illustrated by a nearly 6.4% increase in the Agriculture Department’s budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. These funds will bolster farmers’ conservation efforts, enabling investment in land preservation, equipment purchases, business planning, and farm management tools.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the importance of preserving prime farmland, stating, “Without prime farmland, we simply don’t have the resources to grow food and supply the $132.5 billion our industry feeds into our economy every year.” He lauded the decision of Pennsylvania farm families to sell their land development rights as a legacy that ensures the availability of green spaces and healthy farmland for food production, income generation, and job creation.
Pennsylvania holds the distinction of leading the nation in preserved farmland. Since the creation of the Farmland Preservation Program in 1988, which was overwhelmingly backed by voters, the state has protected 6,314 farms and 632,856 acres across 58 counties. The program has seen an investment of over $1.69 billion in state, county, and local funds.
The preservation program works in partnership with county and sometimes local governments and nonprofits to purchase development rights. By selling their land’s development rights, farm owners ensure that their lands will remain farms, thereby protecting them from future development.
Investments in farmland preservation are part of a broader initiative to multiply public dollars invested in conservation efforts. This includes the $154 million Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, which aids farmers in reducing water pollution and improving soil quality. The Farmland Preservation Program also secured a $7.85 million federal grant from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, aimed at supporting climate-smart conservation on preserved Pennsylvania farms. These investments underscore the state’s commitment to not just improve conservation efforts but also measure their impact effectively.
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