UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A Penn State Extension webinar will focus on current issues affecting farmland preservation efforts in Pennsylvania’s agricultural communities.
Presenting the 90-minute webinar at noon April 28 will be Brook Duer, with Penn State’s Center for Agricultural and Shale Law; Neal Fogle, Penn State Extension community and economic development educator; Doug Wolfgang, with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; and Donna Fisher, with the Blair County Conservation District.
Speakers will discuss farmland preservation strategies in light of issues such as utility-scale solar development, shifting migration patterns and localized housing growth.
The webinar, titled “Farmland Preservation Programs and Techniques in Pennsylvania,” will introduce landowners and elected officials to programs supporting farmland retention and agricultural production.
For example, the Pennsylvania Agricultural Easement Purchase Program has helped Pennsylvania lead the nation in farmland preservation through the purchase of permanent agricultural conservation easements. More than 6,000 farms totaling over 600,000 acres have been preserved in perpetuity. Investments in agricultural conservation easements significantly impact Pennsylvania’s thriving $132.5 billion agricultural economy.
Other programs assist with preferential tax treatment and protections for agricultural practices. Land-use planning and regulatory techniques also can help preserve farmland.
The webinar is designed for local and county elected and appointed officials, farmers, agricultural industry representatives, landowners, members of the public, and members of environmental and conservation organizations.
Penn State Extension offers this event at no charge, but registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar. Registrants also will receive access to the webinar recording. Participants may register through April 27.
More information is available on the Penn State Extension website.
For more information, contact Peter Wulfhorst at 570-296-3400 or by email at ptw3@psu.edu.