The Shapiro Administration has invested nearly $10 million to purchase development rights for 2,672 acres on 35 farms in 18 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development.
These joint investments by state and local government ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have the prime-quality land they need to continue feeding our families and supporting jobs and communities in the future.
Since the Shapiro Administration began, Pennsylvania has invested $125.2 million to preserve 415 new farms and 35,177 prime acres of farmland across the state.
“Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets. The Shapiro Administration continues to stand up for Pennsylvania’s farmers by supporting the contributions they have made to seal our reputation as a national leader, and by investing to protect and improve the resources they need tomorrow, and the innovations that will keep PA on top.”
Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget recognizes that agriculture isn’t just part of our rich heritage in Pennsylvania – it’s key to our future. More than 48,800 farms across Pennsylvania contribute $132.5 billion to our economy and support almost 600,000 jobs, making agriculture a key driver of the state’s economy.
Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, when voters overwhelmingly supported creating the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing nearly $1.76 billion in state, county, and local funds.
In Chester County, the total investment was $1,120,966, with $597,092 from the state and $523,874 from the county.
Two farms were permanently preserved from development: Paul A. Kavanagh, Jr. farm in Upper Oxford Township and a 92-acre crop farm at 1067 Wickerton Road Limited Partnership in Franklin Township.
Learn more about the state’s investment in agricultural survival and land preservation at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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