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.

BOARD MEETINGS  
All regular meetings are scheduled for Tuesdays at 9:30 am. Click here for the 2024 Meeting Schedule.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES
The Agricultural Land Preservation Policies and Bylaws are your comprehensive handbook to the Agricultural Conservation Easement (ACE) program and should be able to answer most of your questions including criteria for applying, required documents, and much more. Click here for the Guidelines.

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

OTHER RESOURCES
Solar Leases on Preserved Farms
PA Farm Link  
RCPP Farmland Preservation and Climate Change Mitigation Project 
Climate Smart Practices

The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program helps fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm—designed to enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's farms through business planning, efficient transitions of ownership, strategic expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for farmers. Grant requirements and process, eligibility, and criteria can be found here. 

Information provided by PDA, regarding biosecurity measures and HPAI in lactating dairy cows.
Biosecurity Basics
Biosecurity Roadmap
Farm Biosecurity Packet