DELAWARE TWP., Pa. - A 206-acre crop and livestock farm in Delaware Township, Mercer County, will be permanently preserved as part of a recent state investment in farmland protection. The Daniel L. Shardy farm received $218,470 for the purchase of its development rights.

Of the total, $206,772 came from state funds and $11,698 from county funds. This preservation is part of a statewide effort to protect 2,672 acres on 35 farms across 18 counties. Pennsylvania has allocated nearly $10 million for these purchases, which aim to prevent future residential or commercial development of agricultural land.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding noted that preserving farmland supports the economy and farm families. He stated that losing agricultural land to development can diminish economic assets, and that continued state investment helps protect and improve resources for farmers.

The state partners with local governments and nonprofit organizations to purchase development rights. Since the Farmland Preservation Program began in 1988, Pennsylvania has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties. The program has invested nearly $1.76 billion in state, county, and local funds to date.

The Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, or ACAP, also supports farmers in improving management practices related to water and soil health. Additional funding for ACAP has reached farmers throughout Pennsylvania.