Lancaster Farmland Trust views its job as more than preserving farmland, it also seeks to preserve the farmer on the land to keep it in active production. That’s why the Trust is supporting enactment of the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) tax credit program to help farmers install conservation practices.

“In addition to preserving farmland to keep it open and available for agriculture, Lancaster Farmland Trust recognizes that the conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources is vital for maintaining the agricultural integrity of the region. The REAP legislation will be an extremely valuable alternative for farmers to improve their environmental stewardship while protecting water quality,” Peter A. Olmsted, Land Preservation Coordinator, Lancaster Farmland Trust.

The most recent issue of “Open Views” newsletter from the Trust had this to say about REAP--

Farmers in Pennsylvania are under increasing pressure to improve water quality in the state and Lancaster County farmers are no exception. Farmers need financial assistance if they are to remain profitable and protect our watersheds and water supplies.

Unfortunately, money for state and federal conservation programs has not kep up with deman.

REAP, or the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act is an action-oriented plan to support pollution reduction projects on Pennsylvania farms. This plan is the first of its kind in the country, and it would provide state tax credits to farmers willing to install water quality improvement projects on their farms.

REAP is not yet available to Pennsylvania farmers since it is currently proposed as legislation. It will not pass without the support of Pennsylvania citizens like you. Please contact your state Representative, Senator and the Governor and urge them to pass this new program.

REAP has been introduced in the House by Rep. Stern (R-Blair) and Rep. Daley (D-Washington) as House Bill 100 and is being introduced in the Senate by Sen. Brubaker (R-Lancaster).

For more information visit CBF’s REAP webpage and the Lancaster Farmland Trust.

3/9/2007