Program Overview The Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Program, also known as the farmland preservation program, purchases agricultural easements on productive farms in Washington County. Landowners retain private ownership of the property and may still use, lease, or sell the property. Any new owner shall abide by the terms of the easement which limits subdivision, non-agricultural development, and other uses inconsistent with commercial agriculture.
Board Members The Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Board is a seven-member board, appointed by the Washington County Board of Commissioners, to serve three-year terms. Representation includes three active farmers, one elected municipal official, one builder, and two members-at-large, in accordance with state law. Current board members are Bill Iams, Chairman; Wayne Hunnell, Vice Chairman; Jeremy Matinko, Treasurer; Bill Paxton; Earl Sadler; Rich Shriver; and Jason Ewart.
Monthly Board Meetings Third Tuesday of every month at 9:30 a.m., unless noted below. ⇒Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 10:30 a.m. Location: Washington County Conservation District, 50 Old Hickory Ridge Road, Washington, PA 15301
Program Status As of April 2024, the County Board has protected 49 Washington County farms covering 7,425 acres with perpetual agricultural conservation easements. Statewide, there are 6,364 preserved farms in 58 participating counties totaling 636,625 acres.
How to Apply Landowners interested in applying to the Washington County Farmland Preservation Program need to submit an application prior to the September 30 deadline. Landowners are strongly encouraged to consult with legal and tax counselors to understand the restrictions that would be placed on your farm deed as well as the tax implications of easement income. Applications are accepted on a yearly basis and landowners must meet the following requirements to apply to the farmland preservation program:
Enrolled in an Agricultural Security Area consisting of 500 acres or more.
Contain at least 50% of soils, which are available for agricultural production and are of Land Capability Classes I-IV, as defined by the Soil Survey published by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Contain the greater of 50% or 10 (ten) acres of harvested cropland, pasture or grazing lands.
Landowners must exhibit good land stewardship including but not limited to the use of conservation and best land management practices such as soil, sedimentation control and nutrient management. Land idled because of government programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program will not qualify as part of the cropland “in current use” under Section 5.1 (c).
The entire parcel as identified on the county assessment maps must be submitted for easement. The landowner may exclude up to but no more than five (5) acres from the ACE to provide for future home sites. This is a one-time only exclusion. No other subdivisions will be permitted other than what is allowed under Section X- Subdivision.
Contiguous acres of at least 50 acres in size, unless:
Contiguous acres of at least 10 acres in size and adjacent to farmland permanently protected with a conservation easement
Contiguous acres of at least 10 acres in size and utilized for a crop unique to the area.
