HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced an investment of $6.7 million to safeguard 1,837 acres of prime farmland across 19 farms in 16 counties. Through the Farmland Preservation Program, these development rights purchases secure agricultural land from future residential or commercial development, ensuring that Pennsylvania farmers retain the resources needed to sustain local communities, jobs, and food production.
“Food security is national security,” stated Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Farmers face fierce competition from developers seeking to buy their land, and saving that land to produce food is one of the most important things we can do to ensure that we can keep feeding Pennsylvania and the world.”
This announcement highlights Pennsylvania’s leadership in farmland preservation. Since the program’s inception in 1988, the state has protected more than 6,500 farms, covering 648,692 acres in 58 counties, with $1.7 billion in investments. The program’s success stems from state, county, and local government partnerships, along with nonprofit collaboration, aimed at securing the future of farming as a critical economic and environmental resource.
The newly preserved farmland spans counties including Adams, Lancaster, Bucks, Berks, and Northampton, with each investment tailored to the specific needs of local communities. For example, Adams County received over $1.1 million to protect equine and crop farms, while Luzerne County safeguarded 90 acres of a family-operated dairy farm with $281,285. The program covers a wide range of agricultural operations, from crop and livestock farms to dairies and equine facilities.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget looks to expand these efforts with additional funding for innovation and food access. It allocates $13 million for the Agricultural Innovation Fund, $2 million for a new animal testing lab, and $8 million to connect struggling Pennsylvanians with locally sourced food.
“Our administration is deeply committed to bolstering Pennsylvania’s agriculture, a $132 billion industry supporting nearly 600,000 jobs statewide,” added Redding. “Investing in farmland preservation is key to protecting this vital part of our economy and culture for generations to come.”
Moving forward, the Shapiro Administration states it will continue its advocacy for strong financial backing and collaborative efforts to protect additional farmlands. With ongoing bipartisan support, Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of conserving agricultural resources, securing food systems, and sustaining rural economies statewide.
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