4 More Montgomery County Farms Across 182 Acres Preserved

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Four more Montgomery County farms have been preserved forever as part of a huge new investment from the state in protecting the state's agricultural landscapes.

The four local farms are among 29 statewide, spanning some 2,500 acres across 14 counties, to receive $7.5 million in funding Thursday. The move expands Pennsylvania's preserved farmland acreage to 600,000.

“Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program is of utmost importance," Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. "Agricultural development and farmland preservation are inextricably tied to food security and nutrition and the population of Pennsylvania and the world are only increasing."

The four Montgomery County farms received a $1.9 million from the state and an $870,309 investment from the county. They include:

• AFZ Development, a 36-acre crop farm
• The John & Donald Black and Donna Horn farm, a 44-acre livestock operation
• The Jason Lutchendorf #1 farm, a 76-acre crop farm
• The Scott & Sharon Melanson farm, a 26-acre crop farm

>>Montco Seeking To Permanently Preserve More Farmland

Montgomery County now has 181 preserved farms, and a total of more than 10,000 protected acres.

Pennsylvania's farmland preservation program, which began in 1988, has become a national leader. For farmers, there are several benefits: the counties provide financial support for operations, and offers a reduction of estate and inheritance taxes for those passing the farm down.

And for the public, it not only improves the environment and keeps an important aspect of historic and cultural heritage in the region alive and thriving, but it's an important way to support the local economy, officials say.

It's also an important tool in the ongoing fight against climate change.

"Preserving farmland ensures we can grow our own crops and rely less on imports and products," State Sen. Judith Schwank said. "Buying locally grown food keeps money in local economies, creates jobs, and provides economic stability to farmers."

With Thursday's announcements, the state has now preserved 5,928 farms.