Berks County has secured over $235,000 in state and local funding to preserve two farms as part of a broader $6.7 million investment aimed at protecting Pennsylvania’s farmland from future development. The funding, announced by the Shapiro Administration, will help ensure that the county’s farms continue to thrive in the face of growing pressure from residential and commercial developers.
The preserved farms in Berks County include a 40-acre crop and livestock farm owned by Christopher B. and Sherry L. Beitler in Penn Township, and a 36-acre crop farm operated by the Lenhartsville Fish and Game Association in Windsor Township. Together, these farms will receive $235,162, with the state contributing $177,624 and Berks County providing $57,538. The easement purchases guarantee that these farms remain dedicated to agriculture, preserving vital green spaces and supporting the local economy.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Saving Pennsylvania’s fertile farmland for producing food, rather than losing it to warehouses and suburban sprawl, is one of our biggest challenges.” He highlighted the state’s strategic location near major transportation hubs, which makes farmland particularly attractive to developers, creating stiff competition for farmers.
This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort that will protect 1,953 acres on 28 farms across 16 counties. Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in farmland preservation, having safeguarded more than 643,000 acres across 6,451 farms since the Farmland Preservation Program began in 1988.
Berks County’s participation in this program strengthens its agricultural future and contributes to Pennsylvania’s overall food security and economic stability.