Gov. Rendell and the Department of Agriculture this week announced it took action to preserve the 2500th farm under Pennsylvania's Farmland Preservation Program.

Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation. Since purchasing the first development rights in 1989, the PA Agricultural Land Preservation Board has preserved 2,513 farms totaling 290,040 acres. Through the preservation program, the state (and individual counties) can purchase development rights, called "easements," on farmland.

Landowners are compensated for offering their development rights for the land while permanently protecting the farmland for agriculture.

Gov. Rendell encouraged action on his Growing Greener II environmental funding proposal that would provide continued funding for farmland preservation.

For more information, visit the Farmland Preservation Program webpage.

11/12/2004