CVC News

We are currently fighting in the Courts for the creation of Agricultural Security Areas in the four Lancaster County Townships that, to this point, have refused to sanction Ag Security Areas. Ag Security Areas are a critical condition precedent to permanent farmland preservation. The state and county have created programs designed to pay farmers who are willing to sell permanent farm preservation easements. This program is only available for farms located in Ag Security Areas.

We WON !!!!!!! Click HERE for full text of Common Pleas and Commonwealth Court Decisions.

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This is where it all began. At an early news conference called by the Conestoga Valley Coalition on March 29, 2007, CVC Board members, Lois Duling and Ken Stoudt, together with attorney James S. Tupitza, address CVC members and the press to announce that the CVC will stand with farmers and fund their fight for the creation of Agricultural Security Areas.

In East Lampeter Township, we assisted a group of farmers who petitioned for the creation of an Ag Security Area. The Supervisors conducted hearings and determined that they did not want Ag Security Areas or permanent preservation in the township. We hired West Chester attorney James S. Tupitza to represent the group of farmers in an appeal to the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. The appeal was successful. A panel of two judges ruled that the townhsip supervisors improperly rejected the farmers application. Following this victory, the supervisors met and voted to appeal. The matter was appealed to the Commonwealth Court. Oral argument was held in March. We have just received the decision. The Commonwealth Court upheld the decision of the local court. This is a landmark victory for farmland preservation.

In Upper Leacock Township, we again provided legal representation for a group of farmers who petitioned that township for an Ag Security Area. On Thursday May 7, 2009, the supervisors held their public hearing and voted in favor of an Ag Security District. This is a tremendous victory. One of our Old Order Amish friends has been working to create an Ag Security Area for more than twenty years. It was a sweet victory.

In Leacock Township, the supervisors have received a Petition from a group of farmers. They have determined to take no action. The result will be that 180 days after the petition was file, the farmers will have a deemed approval of their petition. Another victory!!!

Paradise Township is the scene of the next skirmish. In that township one of the supervisors is adament in his opposition to Ag Security Areas and permanent farm preservation easements. We are prepared to support the farmers until they achieve success. We expect victory within ten days.