HARRISBURG, Pa. — Farmland in 20 Pennsylvania counties will remain viable for agricultural production thanks to recent approval of more than 6,400 acres on 58 farms by the state Farmland Preservation Board, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.

“Production agriculture is Pennsylvania’s key source of food and fiber, and by protecting precious farmland, we can continue to provide for all citizens now and in the future,” said Wolff. “As our number one industry, it is critical that we take every measure possible to keep farmland available to keep the industry growing.”

A joint state, county and township investment of nearly $22.78 million will secure 58 additional farms and 6,422 acres in 20 counties.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Bill Wehry welcomed Jo Ellen Litz, a Lebanon County commissioner who joined the Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation Board in April. Litz served on the Lebanon County Farmland Preservation Board from 1990-1996 and was a member of the county’s Conservation District Board for 13 years. She succeeds Warren Elliot on the board.

In total, Pennsylvania has preserved 3,579 farms and 395,636 acres, making it the national leader in farmland preservation. Later this summer, the state will celebrate its 400,000 acre preservation milestone.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s nationally recognized farmland preservation program, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us, and click on ‘Producers.’