By Blake Jackson
The Shapiro Administration announced an investment of more than $5.8 million to purchase development rights for 22 farms spanning 1,228 acres across 14 Pennsylvania counties. The funding will help protect agricultural land from residential and commercial development while supporting the state’s agricultural industry.
“Every farm preserved is a promise to the next generation — a promise that productive farmland, family legacies and Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage will endure. From a Bucks County farm with roots stretching back more than 260 years to an Adams County family preserving its fourth farm, these stories show the lasting impact of farmland preservation," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said.
"The Shapiro Administration is proud to partner with farm families and local communities to protect the land that sustains our agriculture and our Commonwealth for generations to come.”
Among the properties receiving protection is a 32-acre crop farm in Bedminster Township, Bucks County. Owners David N. Leopold and Laura S. Rathgeb are preserving the historic property, which dates to 1765.
Internationally recognized artist Ben Solowey purchased the farm in 1936, and its landscape frequently appeared in his work. The property also adjoins other preserved farmland, helping maintain the region’s agricultural character.
In Menallen Township, Adams County, Donald R., Diane M. and Curtis D. MacBeth are protecting their 94-acre crop farm. This marks the fourth farm preserved by the family, bringing their total protected acreage to more than 178 acres.
The latest investment builds on Pennsylvania’s ongoing farmland conservation efforts. In August, the administration announced more than $9.1 million to preserve 34 farms covering 2,565 acres. During 2026, the state has invested more than $41 million to protect 134 farms and 10,118 acres. In 2025, Pennsylvania preserved 167 farms and 14,147 prime acres through investments exceeding $50.1 million.
The state’s Farmland Preservation Program enables Pennsylvania to work with local governments and nonprofit organizations to purchase development rights.
Participating landowners agree to keep their properties in agricultural production, preventing future development.
Since the program began in 1988, Pennsylvania has protected 6,781 farms covering 671,082 acres across 58 counties. Combined state, county and local investments have exceeded $1.83 billion, making Pennsylvania the national leader in preserved farmland.
These efforts aim to maintain access to productive agricultural land, support farming families and communities, protect the state’s agricultural heritage, and strengthen long-term food security.
The latest properties were approved during a meeting of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, with total investments reaching $5,849,937.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy