The Erie County Agricultural Land Preservation Program protects viable agricultural land by acquiring Agricultural Conservation Easements on property whose owners are interested in preserving agricultural lands and by encouraging the formation of Agricultural Security Areas in municipalities.
Agricultural Land Conservation Easements Program
The County of Erie is a proud participant in Pennsylvania’s nationally recognized farmland preservation program. With the support of interested landowners, the program helps to permanently preserve farms for agricultural production. It helps to guarantee a future food supply and contributes to a healthier economy. It also assures that a way of life cherished by many Erie County residents will continue for generations to come.
This program is voluntary. In order to apply for the agricultural land conservation easement program, a landowner must complete and submit an application. Through the program, permanent easements are purchased. Landowners remain in possession of the land, but the easement limits subdivisions, non‑agricultural development and other uses inconsistent with commercial agriculture.
As of March 2024, Erie County has preserved 86 farms in 18 municipalities for a total of 10,146 acres of preserved farmland.
LEARN MORE: Erie County Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Guidelines (pdf)
HOW TO APPLY: Eligible landowners may apply for the program, with applications accepted June 1st through September 30th in even‑numbered years. The number of farms selected in each application cycle is based on available funding. The application process is overseen by the Erie County Agricultural Land Preservation Board.
The Erie County Agricultural Land Preservation Program will open the application period for agriculture and farm landowners that are interested in applying to the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program. Applications will open on June 3, 2024 with a deadline for submittal of September 30, 2024. Interested landowners can access the application on the Erie County Agricultural Land Preservation Website or by contacting Alexandra Royal at aroyal@eriecountypa.gov or (814) 451-7332.
Authorization for Release of Records
ABFP-14 Agricultural Security Area Enrollment
2024 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Application
Agricultural Security Areas
Agricultural Security Areas (ASAs) have been established by 19 municipalities across Erie County in order to encourage, promote, preserve and protect normal farming operations.
About Agricultural Security Areas:
- An ASA is an area within one or more municipalities, consisting of at least 250 acres owned by one or more persons.
- Normal agricultural activities are exempt from local nuisance ordinances (such as those that involve noise, dust, or odors).
- Limitations are placed on condemnation and eminent domain.
- Hazardous waste treatment or storage facilities are not permitted.
- Parcels enrolled must be engaged in the production of crops, livestock or livestock products.
Inclusion in an ASA is voluntary, and landowners may enroll their properties in or remove their properties from an ASA at any time. Municipalities must review their ASAs every seven years, removing any parcels that are no longer in active agriculture. The municipality may not include parcels within an ASA without the consent of the landowner.
To date, 19 municipalities in Erie County, including 18 townships and one rural borough, have established ASAs, containing slightly more than 141,685 acres.
2025 Erie County Agricultural Land Preservation Board Meeting Schedule
The Erie County Agricultural Land Preservation Board will hold Board meetings on April 14th, 2025, August 11th, 2025, and November 10th, 2025. All meetings are open to the public and will begin at 3:00 PM at the Erie County Conservation District, 1927 Wager Road, Erie, PA. For more information, contact the Erie County Department of Planning & Community Development at 814‑451-7332 or aroyal@eriecountypa.gov.