County seeks new farmers to preserve farms

NORRISTOWN >> The Montgomery County Planning Commission is accepting applications for the 2022 round of the Montgomery County Agricultural Land Preservation Program.

This program encourages farmers to learn about how they can apply for permanent agricultural preservation of their farm.

The farmland preservation program purchases agricultural easements on operating farmland in Montgomery County. After the easement is purchased, the owner keeps the land, which must remain in farming in perpetuity.

Some benefits of preserving a farm include direct financial help for the owners to support operations and the reduction of estate and inheritance taxes for those looking to pass on the farm to future generations. Preserved farmland is also more affordable for young farmers to purchase, guarantees a future food supply, and ensures a cherished way of life for the future.

Farms applying for preservation must meet minimum criteria to be eligible for the program. To apply for the program, a farm must:

Contain the greater of 50 percent or 10 acres of land in agricultural production.

Be a member of an Agricultural Security Area (ASA) consisting of 500 acres or more, which can be done through your municipality. Not sure you’re in a local ASA? We can provide more information on how to join.

Applying doesn’t guarantee preservation, but it’s free and the first step toward making it happen. Interested farmers are encouraged to watch a video providing an overview of the farmland preservation program. To download the farmland preservation guidebook, which contains the application form, click here. Applications are due February 1, 2022.

Montgomery County has preserved 177 farms (over 10,00 acres total). Pennsylvania is a leader nationwide in farmland preservation, with over 5,800 farms and 599,000 acres preserved, and aids preserved farm owners in business planning and family transitions.

For further information on farmland preservation, contact Stephen Zbyszinski at (610) 278-5960 or szbyszinski@montcopa.org or visit www.montcopa. org/FarmlandPreservation.