CLEARFIELD – On Tuesday the Clearfield County Commissioners announced the county, in conjunction with its Farm Bureau and Conservation District, are developing a farmland preservation program.
“By developing a farmland preservation program for Clearfield County, it’s going to allow landowners to ensure that their real estate is used in perpetuity only for agricultural purposes,” said Commissioner John A. Sobel, chair.
According to him, Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program is a cooperative effort between its farm community and local, county and state officials. He said it arose out of Pennsylvania’s farmers’ concern over the gradual statewide decline in the number of family-owned farms due to urban growth.
“Land coming into the program must be from specific areas designated by local municipal officials. The program is going to be administered by a board of directors to be appointed by Clearfield County,” Sobel said.
He added the commissioners will be looking for anyone with a background in farming, commercial or industrial contracting or agriculture in general for appointment to the board. One board member must also be an elected official, he said.
Sobel, on behalf of the commissioners, said they were pleased to have an opportunity to assist the farm community. Commissioner Tony Scotto concurred, adding it was an opportunity to protect the county’s and Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.