HARRISBURG – Additional acres of farmland in the 23rd senate district will be protected for future generations following today’s approval of the purchase of conservation easements by the state Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
Two local crop and livestock operations were part of 2,478 acres across the state and 28 farms in 19 counties that were preserved during today’s meeting. The local operations include:
- Jerry & Bane Brucklacher, Charleston Township, Tioga County – Crop Operation
- Ada Mae & Luke W. Hoover, Buffalo Township, Union County – Crop & Livestock Operation
“Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage is something that must be protected for future generations,” Sen. Yaw said. “Working together, state and local leaders are helping 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 meeting are allocated to county programs to purchase development rights to preserve farms on county waiting lists.
“The Commonwealth’s achievements have been remarkable examples of teamwork on the part of each county, the State Farmland Preservation Board and the Department of Agriculture,” Yaw added. “Pennsylvania is certainly setting the standard in farmland preservation.”
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, visit www.agriculture.pa.gov.
For more state-related news and information, visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Matt Wise
(570) 322-6457