HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania is investing nearly $10 million to purchase development rights for 2,672 acres on 35 farms in 18 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development. These joint investments by state and local government ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have the prime-quality land they need to continue feeding our families and supporting jobs and communities in the future. Since the Shapiro Administration began, Pennsylvania has invested $125.2 million to preserve 415 new farms and 35,177 prime acres of farmland across the state.

“Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets.”

Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget recognizes that agriculture isn’t just part of our rich heritage in Pennsylvania – it’s key to our future. More than 48,800 farms across Pennsylvania contribute $132.5 billion to our economy and support almost 600,000 jobs, making agriculture a key driver of Pennsylvania’s economy.

To continue Pennsylvania’s national legacy as an agriculture leader, the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposes:

• An additional $13 million investment in the historic Ag Innovation Grant to help build the future of American agriculture right here in Pennsylvania. In its first open application period, the Ag Innovation Grant was oversubscribed by nearly $60 million and received 159 applications for nearly $70 million worth of innovation projects. In February, Governor Shapiro announced investments in 88 ag businesses in 46 Pennsylvania counties, which are even today funding transformative investments in state-of-the-art agricultural technologies.

• Investing $2 million to keep Pennsylvania’s new animal diagnostic laboratory in the western part of the state operational, providing critical testing services for farmers to ensure their livestock remain healthy and viable for continued farming operations.

• A $4 million funding increase to connect Pennsylvanians at risk of hunger with healthy, local food through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System.

• An additional $4 million funding increase to the State Food Purchase Program to provide emergency food assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians.

The approved easement purchases multiply the impact of Pennsylvania dollars invested in conservation initiatives, including the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), which is changing the landscape of rural PA. Nearly 2,000 farmers statewide have sought financial and technical support through ACAP to improve their management practices to have lasting impact on not just their farms, but the entire region’s water and soil health. Increased funding for ACAP is reaching farmers across Pennsylvania who are eager for help funding their investments in sustainability.