Montco Seeking To Permanently Preserve More Farmland

NORRISTOWN, PA — Officials in Montgomery County announced Wednesday that they are now accepting applications from area farms to be included in the next round of permanent preservation.

The county's Agricultural Land Preservation Program has already protected 177 farms, and a total of more than 10,000 acres.

If an application is accepted and the county purchases an easement, the owner keeps the land, with the agreement that the property will remain as a farm forever.

For farmers, there are several benefits: the county provides 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.

To be eligible, at least 50 percent of the land, or 10 acres, must be in agricultural production. Farms must also be members of an Agricultural Security Area, a program administered on the municipal level.

Montgomery County's Agricultural Land Preservation Program was launched in 1990. The county program is part of a larger state program that includes participation by 59 counties throughout the Commonwealth. For more information on the program, see here.