PA Farmland
Preservation Association

County Programs

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, established in 1988, is a key initiative to protect the state's farmland and support its agricultural economy.

• Program Function: It allows state and county governments to purchase conservation easements from farmers, preventing future commercial, industrial, or residential development on that land.

• County-Level Management: 58 counties have local boards that manage the program. These boards, many affiliated with the Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation Association, operate under the authority of the state board. For details on local procedures, contact your county's Farmland Preservation Office.

• State-Level Oversight: A 17-member State Agricultural Land Preservation Board oversees the entire program. Its duties include distributing funds, approving and monitoring county programs, and overseeing easement acquisitions. The  PA Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Farmland Preservation administers the statewide program.

• Financial Investment: This initiative has directed nearly $1.76 billion in state, county, and local funds towards protecting farmland.