Pennsylvania has allocated over $8.8 million to secure development rights for 33 farms, spanning 2,017 acres across 16 counties. This initiative aims to prevent these lands from being converted into residential or commercial properties, ensuring they remain available for agricultural use. The investment is a collaborative effort between state and local governments.
Since the start of the Shapiro Administration, Pennsylvania has dedicated $134 million to preserve 448 farms and over 37,000 acres of farmland statewide. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the importance of protecting high-quality farmland as a vital natural resource and economic asset. “When farms are replaced by warehouses or housing developments, they are gone forever,” he said.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget highlights agriculture’s role in Pennsylvania’s economy, which includes nearly 50,000 farms contributing $132.5 billion and supporting almost 600,000 jobs. The budget proposes an additional $13 million for the Agricultural Innovation Grant and other measures to support farmers and food security.
The state’s Farmland Preservation Program has protected over 6,500 farms since its inception in 1988. By selling development rights, farm owners ensure their land remains dedicated to farming.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s website at agriculture.pa.gov. Details on Governor Shapiro’s economic strategy can be found at shapirobudget.pa.gov.
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