The Shapiro Administration has announced a significant investment to preserve over 3,000 acres of farmland in Pennsylvania. The state is allocating nearly $12 million to purchase development rights for 3,187 acres across 29 farms in 17 counties, including Schuylkill and Lebanon. This initiative aims to protect these lands from future residential or commercial development, ensuring they remain productive for agriculture.
Since the beginning of the Shapiro Administration, Pennsylvania has preserved 380 new farms and 32,505 acres of farmland. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, "Pennsylvania has some of the most productive farmland in the nation. When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets." The administration's commitment to preserving farmland is part of a broader strategy to support the state's agricultural sector, which contributes $132.5 billion to the economy and supports nearly 600,000 jobs.
The preservation efforts are a joint initiative between state and local governments, along with nonprofits, to secure development rights and maintain the agricultural viability of these lands. The program is part of Pennsylvania's longstanding commitment to farmland preservation, which has protected over 652,085 acres since 1988.
According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this investment not only secures farmland but also supports food security and rural communities. ABC27 reports that the funds will help ensure that the farms are not sold to developers, preserving them for future generations.
PA Environment Digest notes that the preservation program has been a model for other states, demonstrating the importance of strategic investments in agricultural land conservation.