Pennsylvania Celebrates Preservation of 650,000 Acres of Farmland

Governor Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced a significant achievement in Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation efforts on March 20, 2024. During a visit to Talview Dairy Farm in Lebanon County, they celebrated the protection of over 6,600 farms and a remarkable 650,000 acres of farmland. This effort positions Pennsylvania as a leader in farmland preservation nationwide.

The state’s Farmland Preservation Program is a collaboration between local governments and nonprofit organizations to ensure that productive agricultural land remains accessible for future generations. Since the inception of the Shapiro administration, Pennsylvania has allocated more than $140 million to preserve 472 farms, covering 39,273 acres.

“This milestone means our family farms can stay farms forever,” stated Shapiro. He highlighted the importance of sustaining Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage, particularly for families like the Copenhavers, who have farmed the land for six generations. Their partnership with the state’s preservation program, the Center for Dairy Excellence, and Penn State Extension has fortified their operations for the future.

Agriculture remains a vital sector in Pennsylvania, contributing approximately $132 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs. Under Shapiro’s guidance, the state has made historic investments in agricultural innovation, disease prevention, and environmental conservation.

Among the initiatives launched is the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, which has aided over 2,000 farmers in adopting sustainable soil and water conservation practices. Furthermore, the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program has earmarked $10 million to support research and modernization in agriculture.

“A farm is the highest and best use of land,” Redding remarked, emphasizing the commitment to preserving high-quality farmland. He added that this initiative reflects a promise to future generations that Pennsylvania will continue to provide for the nation and bolster its economy.

To date, Pennsylvania has invested over $1.78 billion in collaboration with counties and local governments to protect agricultural land from development pressures. This comprehensive approach underscores the state’s dedication to safeguarding its agricultural heritage while ensuring a sustainable future for its farmers and communities.