Shapiro Administration invests $10.2 Million to protect 29 farms, 2,044 Acres In 15 counties from commercial or residential development

HARRISBURG, PA – The Shapiro Administration has announced that Pennsylvania preserved 2,044 acres on 29 farms in 15 counties, forever protecting them from future residential or commercial development. The investment of more than $10.2 million in state, county, and local dollars preserves prime farmland. Two mid-state farms are among those preserved.

“Prime soil and clean water are critical resources for feeding a growing population,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Families who preserve their farms forge a partnership with government, investing together in ensuring that future Pennsylvania families will have green spaces, and the resources to produce food, income, and jobs. Connecting businesses and communities to resources they need to sustain our economy and feed our quality of life is a key goal of the Shapiro Administration.”

Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, Pennsylvania has protected 6,231 farms and 626,321 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing more than $1.67 billion in state, county, and local funds.

Pennsylvania partners with county and sometimes local governments and non-profits to purchase development rights, ensuring a strong future for farming and food security. By selling their land’s development rights, farm owners ensure that their farms will remain farms and never be sold to developers.

The newly preserved farms are in Adams, Berks, Butler, Centre, Clinton, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lehigh, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Union, and Wayne counties.

Farms preserved and dollars invested include:

Centre County – Total investment – $632,152, $582,152 – state, $50,000 – county

The Leo and Bernard Corl Farm, Benner Township, 156-acre crop and livestock farm

Clinton County – Total investment – $128,346, $98,346 – state, $30,000 – county

The Justin J. Snook Farm #1, Greene Township, 60-acre crop and livestock farm