Agricultural Land Preservation Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 
The Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Program, also known as the farmland preservation program, purchases agricultural easements on productive farms in Washington County. Landowners retain private ownership of the property and may still use, lease, or sell the property. Any new owner shall abide by the terms of the easement which limits subdivision, non-agricultural development, and other uses inconsistent with commercial agriculture. To date, 7,730 acres preserved in Washington County on 51 farms.

MEETING SCHEDULE 
The Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Board meets the third Tuesday of every month at 9:30 am, unless otherwise advertised. Please see 2024 Meeting Schedule for dates and location. 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Policies and Bylaws A comprehensive handbook to the Agricultural Conservation Easement (ACE) program providing answers to most questions including criteria for applying, required documents, and much more. 

RESOURCES FOR PRESERVED FARM PARTICIPANTS
Subdivision and Land Development Request Form
Rural Enterprise Application
IRS W-9 Form 
Frequently Asked Questions
Landowner Application Package

OTHER RESOURCES
Agricultural Security Areas (ASA)
     ASA Modification Form
     ASA Handbook
     Municipal Planning for Agricultural Security Areas
Solar Leases on Preserved Farms
PA Farm Link  
RCPP Farmland Preservation and Climate Change Mitigation Project 
Climate Smart Practices
Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program
Information provided by PDA, regarding biosecurity measures and HPAI in lactating dairy cows:
Biosecurity Basics
Biosecurity Roadmap
Farm Biosecurity Packet