To help address the challenge of land access, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy currently has two farm properties, one in Mercer County and another in Westmoreland County, where land is leased to local farmers for diverse, small-scale agricultural operations. Both of the locations are about an hour drive from and are easily accessible to the Pittsburgh food market. Read the press release announcing this initiative.
Helping Farmers Manage Their Land
At each farm, the Conservancy has incorporated a “whole farm” management approach and developed plans for each farm that will identify areas for protection, such as stream buffers, wetlands or high quality habitat and will work with the farmers to develop soil conservation plans for the agricultural portions of the property.
Our land conservation, stewardship and watershed conservation staff, will continue working collaboratively with the tenant farmers to ensure the natural features of the property are protected while maximizing agricultural productivity. Our partners will be available to provide assistance with farmer education, marketing, business management and other aspects of operating a successful agricultural business.