The Shapiro Administration announced on April 9 that Pennsylvania will invest more than $10.2 million to purchase development rights for 2,645 acres on 31 farms across 20 counties, ensuring these lands remain dedicated to agriculture and are protected from future residential or commercial development.
According to Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, “Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserved farmland, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our farm families and strong support at every level of government. Many of these farmers have been offered the opportunity to sell their land for development, but they’ve chosen instead to stay committed to feeding our Commonwealth and carrying on their families’ farming traditions. The Shapiro Administration is honoring that commitment by protecting farmland and investing in the innovation and infrastructure needed to sustain Pennsylvania agriculture for generations to come.” The announcement highlighted farmers such as Robert Pardoe Jr. and John Marsteller Jr., who chose preservation over development opportunities in Northumberland and York counties.
The Marsteller family’s farm now forms part of a 2,700-acre block of preserved land, marking their fourth easement since setting a state record with a 1,063-acre easement in 1993. Marsteller said, “It’s been important for me and my family to not only farm the land, but to make sure that there are farms, and productive ones, for the future. My mom always said that I was born on a tractor. I’ve been driving trucks and tractors since I was five years old. I was born and raised on the same farm that I live on today.”
This investment is part of Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program which partners with local governments and nonprofits to purchase development rights from farm owners so their properties remain dedicated to agricultural production indefinitely. Since its inception in 1988 following statewide voter approval, Pennsylvania has protected 6,704 farms covering more than 665,000 acres in 58 counties through an investment exceeding $1.84 billion.
Agriculture remains central to Pennsylvania’s economy with nearly 49,000 farms contributing $132.5 billion annually and supporting almost 600,000 jobs according to the official website. The Department of Agriculture supports community prosperity by conserving farmland and natural resources; it also aims to foster a robust economy while protecting public health through investments in agricultural growth according to the official website. More than 49,000 farm families manage over 7.3 million acres statewide generating annual cash receipts of $7.8 billion according to the official website.
The Department extends its operations across Pennsylvania offering inspection services for consumer protection while promoting state agricultural products according to the official website. Additional details about this investment can be found in the organization’s press release.
