|
AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM
Key Information - Summary
The agricultural land preservation program was developed to preserve quality
active farmland throughout Pennsylvania. The program basically pays (Subject to
cap) the landowner the difference between the development value and the
agricultural value of the farm. The farm is then protected for perpetuity.
A. HOW IS THE STATE PROGRAM FUNDED?
- a. Initially the program was funded by a 100 million dollar bond issue,
which was approved by a ballot question in November 1987.
- b. Today the program has a dedicated funding source: Starting as of July 1,
1993 a two-cent tax on each back of cigarettes sold in Pennsylvania was
instituted. At least 20 million dollars annually has been received from this
source.
- c. The Governor beginning last year has also added additional funds to the
program as part of his Growing Greener Initiative.
- d. Delaware County annually receives a base allocation from the State's
Department of Agriculture. These funds are available for a two year period.
The allocation is calculated from a formula based upon real estate transfer
tax.
B. STATE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM
- Be a part of an Agricultural Security Area (That is 500 acres or more in
size)
- 50 % of land must be in Agricultural Production
- 50 % of the Soils must be in NRCS Soil Categories I-IV
- The Farmland tract shall encompass a.) at least 50 acres,
or b.) at least 10 acres producing a crop unique to the area, c.) at least 10
acres contiguous to a property which has a perpetual easement.
C. AGRICULTURAL SECURITY AREAS
- a. Currently Edgmont and Concord Townships are the only Municipalities in
Delaware County that have formed an Agricultural Security Areas. The area in
Edgmont involves over 800 acres and over 20 different landowners. Concord
Township's area has 11 landowners enrolled including over 676 acres. Chester
Heights Borough has created an area, but I have not received official
information on this area.
- b. Of the two known areas only six farms exceed the newly revised 50 acre
minimum size criteria, and two of these six have already sold their
development rights.
D. FARMS CURRENTLY ENROLLED
- a. Arasapha Farms - 78+/- Acres
- b. Sleighton School - 120 Acres
For More Information Contact:
Delaware County Conservation District
Rose Tree Park- Hunt Club, 1521 N. Providence Rd.
Tel: 610-892-9484
FAX: 610-892-9489
Internet:
Info@delcocd.org
| 
