Westmoreland Agricultural Land Preservation

Our Mission: Preserving Westmoreland County's Farmland

The Westmoreland County Agricultural Land Preservation Program (WCALP) is dedicated to preserving the rich agricultural heritage of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Established in 1990, we are a non-profit organization working to ensure that farmers in our county have access to the land they need to produce the food and other agricultural products that sustain our community and the state.

Our Programs

WCALP offers a variety of programs and initiatives to achieve our mission:

**Agricultural Conservation Easements

• We work with landowners to permanently conserve viable agricultural land by purchasing conservation easements. This prevents the development or improvement of land for any purpose other than agricultural production.

**Agricultural Security Areas

• We identify and prioritize agricultural security areas that are vital for the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Westmoreland County.

**Century & Bicentennial Farm Program

• We recognize and celebrate farms that have been in the same family for over 100 years by offering recognition and financial assistance.

**Clean & Green Program

• We promote sustainable farming practices that protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural viability.

**Farm Markets

• We support local farmers by facilitating direct sales to consumers through farmers' markets and other direct marketing opportunities.

Our Values

• Sustainability: We are committed to preserving agricultural lands for future generations.
• Community: We work in partnership with farmers, landowners, and the community to achieve our goals.
• Integrity: We operate with transparency and accountability.
• Collaboration: We believe in working with others to achieve lasting solutions.
• Innovation: We are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to conserve farmland.

Why does agriculture matter?

Agriculture is vital to our economy, food security, and way of life. Farmers in Westmoreland County play a crucial role in providing us with the food and other agricultural products we need. By preserving farmland, we are ensuring the continuation of this vital industry and the economic and environmental benefits it provides.