Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's administration announced Thursday that Pennsylvania will be investing more than $6.9 million to purchase development rights for 2,354 acres on 27 farms in 13 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development.

In 2025, Pennsylvania preserved 167 farms and 14,147 prime acres of farmland across the state, investing more than $50.1 million, according to a news release. These joint investments by state and local governments "ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have the prime-quality land they need to continue supporting families, communities, and jobs."

Farms preserved at Thursday's Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board Meeting include a Fairview Township farm. 

The Mercer County investment totals $76,916 and will go toward Bruch and Joyce Woods' 79-acre crop and livestock farm, the release states.

"Protecting farmland isn't just about preserving open space; it's about safeguarding the resources that feed and sustain all of us," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding stated. "High-quality farmland is one of Pennsylvania's most valuable economic assets."

Through Pennsylvania's Farmland Preservation Program, the state teams with local governments and nonprofits to purchase development rights to preserve farmland to work toward ensuring a strong future for farming and food security, the release states. 

Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of preserved farms, with 660,000 acres protected through its Farmland Preservation Program.