Farmland preservation and agricultural land protection in Westmoreland County PA

Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, is taking significant steps to safeguard its agricultural heritage through dedicated farmland preservation efforts.

 

By implementing agricultural conservation easements, the county ensures that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use, preventing future residential or commercial development.

 

These easements are voluntary agreements between landowners and the county, permanently restricting non-agricultural development while allowing farmers to retain ownership and continue their operations.

 

To be eligible for an agricultural conservation easement, farms must be part of an Agricultural Security Area (ASA), a designation that offers protections against certain local ordinances and eminent domain actions.

 

In Westmoreland County, an ASA requires a minimum of 250 acres, collectively owned by multiple landowners with parcels of at least 10 acres each.

 

As of 2026, Westmoreland County has preserved over 14,530 acres across 122 farms through these initiatives.

 

These efforts are part of Pennsylvania's broader commitment to farmland preservation, with the state leading the nation in protected agricultural land.

 

In April 2026, the Shapiro Administration announced an investment of more than $10.2 million to purchase development rights for 2,645 acres on 31 farms across 20 counties, including Westmoreland.

 

These investments ensure that prime farmland remains available for agricultural production, supporting local economies and food security.

 

For farmers interested in participating, the Westmoreland County Agricultural Land Preservation Board accepts applications for agricultural conservation easements year-round, with a cutoff date of September 1st for consideration in the next funding cycle.

 

Eligible farms are evaluated based on criteria such as soil quality, farm size, and the implementation of conservation practices.

 

By preserving farmland, Westmoreland County not only protects its agricultural roots but also ensures a sustainable future for farming communities and the local economy.

 

These efforts reflect a commitment to maintaining the county's rural character and supporting the livelihoods of its farmers.