8-23-2021 2:11am

State Invest 7.5 Million To Save 29 Local Farms

Josh Wilder Editor

PENNSYLVANIA — Dozens of more farms around Pennsylvania have been preserved forever as part of a huge new investment from the state to protect the state's agricultural landscapes and heritage.

The 29 farms span some 2,500 acres across 14 counties, and will receive $7.5 million in funding. The move expands Pennsylvania's preserved farmland acreage to 600,000.

"Pennsylvania's farmland preservation program is of utmost importance," Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. "Agricultural development and farmland preservation are inextricably tied to food security and nutrition and the population of Pennsylvania and the world are only increasing."

Among the 29 announced Thursday, officials highlighted the Mark L. and Ann M. Miller farm, a 112.42-acre crop and sod operation in Lehigh County's Upper Saucon Township. The area faces "intense development pressures" from nearby expanding subdivisions, and the preservation of this significant piece of land ensures that the character of the region is maintained.

Pennsylvania's farmland preservation program, which began in 1988, has become a national leader. For farmers, there are several benefits: the counties provide financial support for operations, and offers a reduction of estate and inheritance taxes for those passing the farm down.

And for the public, it not only improves the environment and keeps an important aspect of historic and cultural heritage in the region alive and thriving, but it's an important way to support the local economy, officials say.

It's also an important tool in the ongoing fight against climate change.

"Preserving farmland ensures we can grow our own crops and rely less on imports and products," State Sen. Judith Schwank said. "Buying locally grown food keeps money in local economies, creates jobs, and provides economic stability to farmers."

With Thursday's announcements, the state has now preserved 5,928 farms.

The full list of preserved farms is included below:

Berks County – total investment: $375,651 state, $207,200 county

The Benjamin & Karah Davies farm, a 20-acre livestock operation
The Kenneth & Elizabeth Ehst farm, a 27-acre crop farm
The Curtis & Dorothy Huber farm, a 20-acre crop farm
The Dennis & Donna Kunkle farm, a 61-acre crop and livestock operation
The Jeremy & Cindy Martin farm, a 50-acre crop and livestock operation
The Warren & Bonnie Wessner farm, a 76-acre crop farm

Butler County – total investment: $38,549 state, $78,497 county

Thurber Farm, an 88-acre crop and livestock operation

Centre County – total investment: $148,564 state, $50,000 county

The Larry & Suzanne Harpster farm, an 82-acre crop farm

Chester County – total investment: $954,838 state, $443,970 county

The Virginia Kelsall farm, a 49-acre crop and livestock operation
The Douglas & Jessica Engle farm, a 172-acre crop farm

Cumberland County – total investment: $509,985 state, $100,000 county

The Jacob & Lora Crider farm, a 92-acre crop and livestock operation
The Floyd & Susan Martin farm, a 68-acre crop and livestock operation

Dauphin County – total investment: $39,540 state only

Andals Farm, a 26-acre crop farm

Erie County – total investment: $361,535 state only

The Kevin & Colleen Osborn farm, a 218-acre crop farm

Lancaster County – total investment: $1,723,754 state only

The Joshua & Britni Akers farm, a 154-acre crop and livestock operation
The Bradley & Lois Beiler farm, a 92-acre crop and livestock operation
The Thomas & Iva Lapp farm, a 102-acre crop and livestock operation
The Jerry Paul & Laurie Beth O'Donnell farm, a 113-acre crop and livestock operation

Lehigh County – total investment: $676,372 state, $17,990 county