HARRISBURG – Over $10.2 million is coming from the Commonwealth to purchase development rights for 2,645 acres on 31 farms in 20 PA counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development and continuing support of one of PA’s key industries. Through Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, the state partners with local governments and nonprofits to purchase development rights to preserve farmland, ensuring a strong future for farming and food security. PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding says the Keystone State 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 carrying on their families’ farming traditions. Two farms in Lancaster, Chester, Cumberland, and Lehigh Counties are the latest to be preserved along with one Berks County farm and three York County farms.
RUSSELL REDDING