Berks County is among 13 counties benefiting from a new round of state farmland preservation funding, with Pennsylvania investing more than $1.1 million to ensure four local farms — totaling 376 acres — remain permanently dedicated to agriculture.
The investment is part of a statewide announcement from the Shapiro administration detailing more than $6.9 million in easement purchases to preserve 2,354 acres on 27 farms. In 2025, the state preserved 167 farms and more than 14,000 acres of prime agricultural land.
In Berks County, the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board approved easements for four properties spanning Penn, District, Jefferson, and Greenwich townships. The state contributed $767,159 toward the local preservation effort, with the county adding $366,352. The preserved Berks farms include: Geissler Tree Farms, a 152-acre crop operation in Penn Township, The Marvin W. and Debra L. Reinert farm, a 70-acre crop farm in District Township, The Steven G. and Denise J. Rentschler farm, a 59-acre crop farm in Jefferson Township and Saddle Road, LLC, a 95-acre crop farm in Greenwich Township.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the continued investment reflects the state’s commitment to safeguarding agricultural resources for future generations.
“Protecting farmland isn’t just about preserving open space; it’s about safeguarding the resources that feed and sustain all of us,” Redding said. “High-quality farmland is one of Pennsylvania’s most valuable economic assets.”
Since the start of the Shapiro administration, Pennsylvania has invested nearly $147 million to preserve 499 farms and more than 41,000 acres statewide. The state leads the nation in farmland preservation, with 6,648 farms and over 661,000 acres protected since the program began in 1988.
The Farmland Preservation Program allows the state, counties, and local partners to purchase development rights from farm owners, ensuring their properties remain permanently in agricultural use. Officials say the practice helps maintain food security, protect soil and water resources, and support the long-term stability of Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy.
Nearly 49,000 farms contribute an estimated $132.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy and support close to 600,000 jobs, according to the administration. Agriculture is one of five priority industries identified in the state’s long-term economic strategy.
Statewide investments in preserved farmland also complement environmental programs such as the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, which has provided more than 2,700 Pennsylvania farmers with financial and technical support to improve soil and water quality.
More information on the Farmland Preservation Program is available at agriculture.pa.gov.
