Answering your questions…
on all things farmland preservation!
When we say “preserving a farm,” we mean the farmer has placed a conservation easement on the farm. The landowner sells or donates their rights to develop the land at any time in the future. This keeps the land available for agricultural use and prevents development forever. The farmer still owns and farms the property as a private landowner. Lancaster Farmland Trust will ensure the easement continues to restrict development.
Protecting farmland preserves our community’s way of life, provides bountiful fresh, local foods, and the opportunity to improve our local and regional water supply through on-farm conservation practices.
We work with farmers to write easements so they do not restrict the farmers’ daily lives or plans for future agricultural pursuits. The language of the Lancaster Farmland Trust’s standard easement allows additional homes for the farmer’s family members who may come to live or work on the farm and allows farmers to construct additional farm buildings such as a workshop or agricultural on-farm business.
Yes. Nearly 80% of our preserved farm owners are Plain Sect Amish or Mennonite farmers.
When a farmer places a conservation easement on the farm, they are usually lowering the value of the property to some extent. That said, it is common in Lancaster County for preserved farms to sell at values comparable to unpreserved farms. Farmers want and need land to farm and, because that’s what the easement allows, farmers are willing to pay top dollar for high-quality land.
Yes, our farmers are permitted to have businesses on their farms. The nature and size of their on-farm business are limited and specific to the easement on their farm.
Our easements are written and upheld forever. The easement is attached to the Property Title and transfers from owner to owner.
Yes, preserved farm owners still pay property taxes. Preserved farm owners are eligible for an income tax deduction for the donated portion of their development rights. Tax deductions vary case to case and are used at the discretion of the landowner and their tax preparer.
Lancaster Farmland Trust is funded mostly by generous donations from private individuals, businesses, and foundations. Protecting Lancaster County’s beautiful, productive farmland requires a considerable amount of resources. Fortunately, residents and visitors recognize the value in protecting our land – and all of the benefits it provides – and have made financial commitments in support of our work. A small portion of our funds are sourced from government agencies, but the majority of the funds we raise are private.