Takac emphasizes the importance of farmland preservation
7.3 million acres in Pennsylvania is farmland
Rep. Paul Takac October 4, 2023 | 1:56 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 4 – Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, recognized the importance of preserving farmland in Pennsylvania today with the Centre County Farmland Trust, Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania and the Department of Agriculture.
“Pennsylvania is blessed with over 7.3 million acres of farmland,” Takac said. “It’s critically important that we protect and preserve that vital resource and our rich agricultural heritage, while also continuing to support Pennsylvania’s No. 1 industry. Agriculture generates over $132 billion annually. Thanks to the efforts of the Centre County Farmland Trust and the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania, we’ll highlight and celebrate the success of farmland preservation here in the Pennsylvania Capitol throughout October.”
“Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserving prime farmland to produce food in the future,” said Cheryl Cook, Agriculture Department deputy secretary. “Families who preserve their farms join forces with government, investing together to ensure that future Pennsylvania families will have green spaces and healthy farmland available to produce food, income and jobs. It is one of the most important things we do together to feed Pennsylvania’s future.”
“These artists inspire us to work toward their vision to help the central Pennsylvania region and all of Pennsylvania preserve farmland,” said Dan Guss, president of the Centre County Farmland Trust. “Together, with preservationists and legislators, we will collaborate to make their vision a reality.”
Martha Grout Taylor, a member from Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania, said, “It is my hope that this exhibit will represent the fertile valleys and wooded ridges that are so characteristic of central Pennsylvania. By showcasing the beauty of our agricultural heritage, I hope that government officials will recognize the need to preserve that heritage.”
Artwork from the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania will be displayed throughout the Capitol from today until Tuesday, Oct. 31.