Jun. 22, 2022
HARRISBURG – A Berks County farm has been added to the Commonwealth’s list of preserved farmland, according to Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh).
The 164-acre Kathy Levan Crop Farm in Oley Township was one of 32 farms in 18 counties included in the latest round of farmland purchases by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Nearly $8.2 million in state, county, and local funding was invested to protect 2,264 acres from future development.
“Berks County has a rich farming heritage that should be preserved, and this program helps to accomplish that goal,” said Mackenzie. “By preventing productive farms like this one from disappearing, we are ensuring that agriculture continues to play a critical role in our local and state economies.”
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, ensuring a strong future for farming and food security.
Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in the number of preserved farms with 6,076, and has invested more than $1.6 billion since 1988 to protect valuable farmland.
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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