Latest news with #FarmlandPreservationProgram
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Blair County crop, livestock farm to be protected from future development
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The development rights to 35 farms, including one in Blair County, have been purchased to help ensure that the farmland will be protected. Pennsylvania is investing nearly $10 million to make sure that over 2,600 acres of land in 18 counties will never be used for residential or commercial property. The Shapiro Administration added that these investments will make sure that farmers have quality land to continue feeding families across the state and supporting jobs. Bill to allow for Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania passes House Here is the Blair County farm that will be preserved: England Family Limited Partnership, 123-acre crop and livestock farm, Woodbury Township Total investment( $298,671): State – $209,671 and County – $89,000 'Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,' Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. 'When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets.' There are over 48,000 farms in Pennsylvania, and the farming industry contributes $132.5 billion to our economy and supports almost 600,000 jobs. Since 1988, the Farmland Preservation Program has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties from future development. You can read the full list of farms that will be preserved on the Department of Agriculture's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania purchases development rights for 35 farms
(WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will invest nearly $10 million to protect farmland from residential and commercial development. The deal includes 2,672 acres in Adams, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin and 13 other counties. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The investment is part of the Commonwealth's Farmland Preservation Program, which acquires easements to preserve prime farmland. 'Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,' said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. 'When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets.' Investments in the Midstate include: Adams County – Total investment – $340,376; state – $177,367; county – $163,009 Franklin County – Total investment – $729,324; state only Lancaster County – Total investment – $1,521,650; state – $56,392; county – $1,415,258; Manor Township – $50,000 Lebanon County – Total investment – $680,417; state – $435,235; county – $245,182 Mifflin County – Total investment – $73,355; state – $66,690; county – $6,665 More than 48,800 farms contribute $132.5 billion and almost 600,000 jobs to the Commonwealth, according to the department. Since starting in 1998, the department said the preservation program has protected 6,564 farms across 58 counties. The program works by purchasing easements, a right to use another person's property for a specific purpose, granting rights to develop farmland. The state does this so farmers can still profit off development rights without having to sell for commercial projects. Pennsylvania wants a photo of your barn Farmers continue to own and farm their land after the deals. The state partners with local governments and nonprofits to make the purchases. Farmers apply for the program and county agricultural land preservation boards evaluate the applications. Eligible farms are rated under specific criteria: Quality of farmland – At least half of the land must either be harvested cropland, pasture or grazing land and it must contain 50 percent soil capability. Farms must also be a minimum of 50 acres in size or 35 acres if a county allows farms that size in its program. Additionally, parcels as small as 10 acres may qualify if it is next to already preserved farmland or is used for the production of crops unique to the area. Stewardship – The use of conservation practices, nutrient management and control of soil erosion and sedimentation. Likelihood of development Farmers receive all of the proceeds from the easement sale, according to the department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
