STATE OF FARMLAND PRESERVATION
new Brooklyn,” and in 2019, the U.S. News & World Report named Lancaster County the number one place to retire. These national accolades have brought the county more than tourists; the publicity has also attracted new residents. Between 2010 and 2018, the county grew by 4.6% – nearly five times the state average. In 2018, the Lancaster County Planning Department responded by publishing a new county comprehensive plan – places2040. The plan sets out both a vision for the county’s future growth and priorities for achieving that vision. places2040 also advocates for a “more effective and efficient
“Ensuring that our farms and our farmers remain viable is going to be critical to the overall economic aspect of Lancaster County, as well as the quality of life”
development and preservation incorporating infill, redevelopment, and reuse; effective agricultural zoning and land protection; and maximum natural resource and landscape protection” (p. 66). At least 85% of new dwelling units should be built within Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) and Village Growth Areas (VGAs) which have supporting infrastructure. Building within existing UGAs and VGAs slows population growth in rural areas, helps maintain land in agricultural use, and allows for the preservation of large, contiguous
– Jeff Swinehart, Chief Operating Officer, Lancaster Farmland Trust
blocks of farmland in the rural areas of the county.
(places2040)
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S tate o f Farm lan d P re s e r vati on R e p or t
2021
www.lan caste rf arm la ndtr u s t . o r g
