At the state Farm Show this week, Gov. Rendell announced the availability of an additional $100 million for farmland preservation, $65 million of which is from Growing Greener II funds, and promoted initiatives to produce energy from farm products.

(Download the special photo feature on the 2006 Farm Show at the end of this article.)

Pennsylvania has preserved 314,719 acres on 2,746 farms since the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program started in 1989. Since that time, Pennsylvania has allocated $556 million for farmland preservation.

Currently, 55 counties have approved easement programs, contributing $218million toward the program.

"Although we are preserving 64 acres a day, about 300 acres fall to development every day," Gov. Rendell said.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation applauded the announcement of additional farmland preservation funding noting well-managed farmland is a preferred land use, essential for good water quality and the replenishment of aquifers.

“CBF works collaboratively with government agencies and local farmers to preserve and enhance farmland throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said CBF Pennsylvania Executive Director Matt Ehrhart. “We support Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation programs and encourage lawmakers to continue funding to protect one of our most valuable natural resources – our farmland.”

Gov. Rendell also joined executives from AGRA Biodiesel Inc. at the state Farm Show to announce the new biodiesel fuel production facility in Middletown, Dauphin County.

The facility is the first of 11 plants the company plans to build in the Commonwealth over the next five years, creating as many as 3,000 new jobs. Each facility will use virgin soybean oil – primarily from Pennsylvania farmers – to create the renewable fuel.

To meet production demands, AGRA will also use feedstock from other states shipped to the facility via rail. Once all 11 plants are operational, the process will result in increased soybean demand for farmers, and higher prices per bushel.

NewsClips: Rendell Announces Availability of Farmland Preservation Funds

Rendell Welcomes First Biodiesel Production Facility

Farmers Energized

Renewable Energy Touted at PA Farm Show Exhibit

Click On: Special Photo Feature of Farm Show 2006 - PDF

1/13/2006