HARRISBURG – Two Lynn Township farms were recently added to Pennsylvania’s list of preserved farmland, according to Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh).

The 14-acre Dave and Barbara Rauch crop farm and the 12-acre Daniel and Victoria Watt crop and livestock farm were among 18 farms in 13 counties included in the latest round of farmland purchases by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. More than $3.5 million in state and county funding was invested to protect 1,336 acres of prime farmland from future development.

“Agriculture plays an important role in our regional and state economies, so it’s always good news when more Lehigh Valley farmland is being protected,” said Mackenzie. “These owners are to be commended for taking part in the farmland preservation program, which benefits all of us by ensuring a strong future for farming and food security.”

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program allows farm families to sell their land’s development rights, preserving their farms and averting future residential, commercial, or industrial development. The Commonwealth partners with county and sometimes local governments and nonprofits to purchase development rights.

Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in the number of preserved farms with 6,284 and has invested nearly $1.7 billion since 1988 to protect valuable farmland.

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
http://www.repmackenzie.com/

 

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