The state Department of Agriculture has announced the preservation of 2,354 acres on 27 farms in townships located in 13 counties through the state’s Farmland Preservation Program. This program protects farms from future residential, commercial, or industrial development.  

“Protecting farmland isn’t just about preserving open space; it’s about safeguarding the resources that feed and sustain all of us,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “High-quality farmland is one of Pennsylvania’s most valuable economic assets.” 

Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of preserved farms. Since 1988, when voters statewide overwhelmingly supported creating the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,648 farms and 661,035 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing more than $1.84 billion in state, county, and local funds. 

The newly preserved farms are in townships in Adams, Berks, Butler, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Mercer, Northampton, Perry, Union, and York  

counties. Most farms were preserved with a combination of state and county funds. Manor Township, Lancaster County invested $37,670 in township funds to help preserve a 37-acre crop farm. To learn more about the preserved farms, click here.