You’re Most Asked Questions, Answered
There’s been a lot of buzz about farmland preservation in 2026, and we are so happy to see many get involved! With a lot of buzz comes a lot of great questions – who is Lancaster Farmland Trust (LFT)? How can one get involved? Who owns the farms LFT preserves? Today, we’re answering your most frequently asked questions, so together, we can spread the word about LFT and land preservation!
“Who owns the farms you preserve?”
The farm is owned by the landowner/farmer! All that changes when a farm is preserved is the protection of the farmland from development, which is the responsibility of LFT. The landowner/farmer can sell the farm, and anyone can buy it, but the land must stay in agricultural use
regardless of who owns it.
“Is LFT against development?”
No! Development is essential to provide housing, resources, and growth in a thriving community.
LFT is committed to smart growth, which means developing in areas that make the most sense
and in a way that best utilizes the land. When a community prioritizes growth in dense areas, it
allows space for farmland and open spaces to be protected while providing the needed
infrastructure for growth.
“What if a farmer needs another building on their farm? Is that restricted when they preserve?”
Not necessarily! When a farm is preserved, a certain amount of space on the property is allowed
for buildings and structures. Relationships with our farmers with protected land are of the utmost
importance to LFT. We work with each farmer and their needs to find solutions that benefit the
farmer and the land!
“What are the financial benefits for farmers who preserve their land?”
In some cases, the farmer generously donates their development rights to LFT. In others, LFT pays
the farmer/landowner a one-time amount per acre protected. Often, this gives the farmer financial
benefits and helps the family. Farmers who preserve their farm may be eligible for a federal income
tax deduction for that year.
“How can I get involved with LFT?”
There are many ways you can get involved with LFT and save farms:
- Volunteer with your local preservation organizations. Helping LFT with events or other opportunities helps spread the word to other supporters!!
- Shop local. Buying your produce from local farms supports hard-working farm families and boosts the local economy.
- Attend local township meetings. Let your voice be heard!
- Spread the word on social media! Sharing content brings awareness to other potential supporters.
- Simply donate. When you donate to LFT, your gift goes directly to protecting farms so they can’t be paved over.
“Do preserved farm owners continue to pay real estate taxes since LFT is a non-profit?”
Yes. The landowner owns the farm, and its real estate taxes remain unchanged.
“How does preserving farmland help with environmental conservation?”
There are many ways preserving farmland helps with environmental conservation, but two key ways:
- When a farm is protected, acres of open land/soil absorb water and nutrients. When soil
absorbs water, it mitigates runoff and keeps pollutants out of our waterways. - When LFT protects a farm, it brings water and ecosystems to the forefront. We work with
farmers to implement conservation projects on the farm, and since the farm is protected, that
means that work is also protected forever!
“What happens if a landowner violates the terms of their conservation easement?”
LFT works with the farmer/landowner to solve or remedy the easement violation. Ultimately, it is
LFT’s responsibility is to ensure that preserved farmland stays protected.
“Can preserved farmland be sold?”
Yes! The farmer/landowner can sell their farmland, but the protection stays on the farm regardless
of who owns it. Once a farm is preserved, it is protected forever.
“Does LFT require preserved farms to use organic farming practices, or are LFT preserved farms certified organic?”
We do not. We do have some certified organic farms preserved!
“What are the differences between LFT and Lancaster Conservancy? Does LFT partner with them?”
LFT protects farmland, and Lancaster Conservancy protects natural lands. We are both invested in
conservation work and partner on water quality and conservation initiatives. Most notably,
Lancaster Conservancy will host Water Week in Lancaster County in June. As a partner, we will
host an event to share the connection between farmland preservation and water quality.
“What is the difference between LFT and county/state preservation programs?”
LFT is a non-profit, and most of our funding comes from individuals who want to protect farmland in Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Agricultural Preserve Board is a public government entity that protects farmland in the county with public funds.
