The Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board awarded Chester County the highest level of funding, $3.74 million, to preserve farmland in Chester County.

The state board announced an overall spending threshold of $38 million for the purchase of development rights from farm owners state-wide – the highest spending total in more than a decade.

Chester County’s award of state funds, added to certified county funds of $5 million for farmland preservation in 2019, positions Chester County as the state leader in funding for agricultural land preservation.

“Preservation of farms is truly best practice for the future benefit of everyone, and we must do what we can to make sure Chester County’s tradition of farming continues,” said Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline.

Since the start of Chester County’s agricultural land preservation program 30 years ago, more than 40,100 acres of farmland have been preserved. Factoring in current agreements of sale, the number exceeds 41,200 acres.

Last December, Chester County preserved its 500th farm.

“The variety of preserved farms in Chester County reflects the diversity of our agriculture,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “It is a vital industry, creating more than $600 million in revenue a year.”

“Chester County has invested $106 million in farmland preservation over 30 years, and that investment ensures that the county’s agriculture industry continues to contribute over $3 billion to our local economy through sales, employment, taxes, and services,” said Commissioner Terence Farrell. “We thank the members of our Agriculture Land Preservation Board for their valuable contribution, making our program the best in the state.”

The ALPB is now accepting applications for farmland preservation. Farms 10 acres or more are eligible if they are adjacent to permanently preserved land. Farms not adjacent to permanently preserved land need to be a minimum of 50 acres in size for the Commonwealth program and 25 acres in size for the Challenge Grant Program. The deadline for Chester County’s Farmland Preservation application is Aug. 1.

Click here for more information or contact Geoff Shellington at gshellington@chesco.org or call (610)-344-6504.

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