The Shapiro Administration announced Thursday that nearly \$10 million is being invested to preserve 2,672 acres of farmland across 35 farms in 18 Pennsylvania counties, reinforcing the state’s leadership in farmland preservation and commitment to food security.
Among the farms protected in this round of investment is a 118-acre crop farm in Latimore Township, Adams County, owned by Edward L. and Shirley A.S. Prosser. The preservation of this farm was secured through a joint state and county investment of \$340,376. By selling development rights, the property will remain agricultural land permanently, safeguarded from residential or commercial development.
Since Governor Josh Shapiro took office, the state has preserved 415 farms and more than 35,000 acres of farmland, totaling \$125.2 million in investments. Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program—created in 1988 and funded by state, county, and local dollars—has now protected over 654,000 acres on more than 6,500 farms statewide.
The Governor’s 2025–26 budget proposal builds on this commitment, calling for increased investments in agricultural innovation, food security, and rural sustainability. Proposed funding includes $13 million for the Ag Innovation Grant program and \$4 million increase each for emergency food access programs.
The latest round of preservation also supports Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), which provides technical and financial help to farmers implementing sustainability practices that protect soil and water.
Source: www.pa.gov