Mackenzie Announces 53 Farmland Acres Preserved in Lehigh County

August 21, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) announced 53 acres of farmland in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, will be permanently protected from future residential and commercial development through Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program.

The 53-acre crop farm, identified as County of Lehigh #2, is among 34 farms totaling 2,565 acres approved for preservation by the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board. The latest round represents a combined investment of more than $9.1 million to preserve farmland across 16 counties in the Commonwealth.

“Protecting farmland is an investment in the future of our communities and our Commonwealth,” said Mackenzie. “Preserving this farm ensures these 53 acres will remain available for agricultural production while helping maintain the rural character of Upper Milford Township for generations to come.”

Through the Farmland Preservation Program, the Commonwealth partners with county and local governments and, in some cases, nonprofit organizations to purchase development rights from farmland owners. Conservation easements remain with the property even if ownership changes, ensuring preserved farms remain in agricultural production.

With the addition of the 34 farms approved in this latest round, Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program has now protected 6,759 farms totaling 669,854 acres in 58 counties from future development. Since the program was established in 1988, more than $1.82 billion in state, county and local funds has been invested in preserving Pennsylvania farmland.



Representative Milou Mackenzie
131st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Jones
717.260.6615
WJones@pahousegop.com