HARRISBURG –Additional acres of farmland in the 23rd Senatorial District will be protected for future generations following recent approval of the purchase of conservation easements by the state Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to Sen. Yaw (R-23).
Three local crop and livestock operations were part of 2,038 total acres across the state and 22 farms in 13 counties that were approved for preservation. The local operations include:
- Margaret Harris Farm – 98.95-acre sheep operation in Limestone & West Buffalo Townships
- Matthew J. & Jeffrey A. Sanders Farm – 114.69-acre crop operation in Union Township
- Danielle Stewart and David Knox Farm– 45.55-acre crop operation in White Deer Township
“Pennsylvania is setting the standard in farmland preservation by protecting our rich agricultural heritage for future generations,” Sen. Yaw said. “I am pleased to see state and local leaders working together to help strengthen our position as the nation’s leader in farmland preservation.”
The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, as it is formally known, is dedicated to slowing the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. Funding allows state, county, and local governments to purchase conservation easements from owners of quality farmland. State, county, local, and federal funds committed during the Board’s meetings are allocated to county programs to purchase development rights to preserve farms on county waiting lists.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280