March 8, 2007

Congressman Pitts Reintroduces Bill To Protect Family Farms, Preserve Open Space

Washington—Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today reintroduced legislation to protect America’s farmland and open spaces. The Family Farm Preservation Act would provide an incentive for preserving open space by preventing farmers from having to pay capital gains taxes when they sell the development rights to their land to a qualified private or governmental land-conservation entity.

“Our area of Pennsylvania has long been renowned for its beautiful landscapes and rich farmland,” Congressman Pitts said.  “Sadly, these cherished open spaces are beginning to disappear as the pressure for new development grows.  By easing the tax burden on farmers who wish to keep farming their land, my legislation encourages the preservation of open space and ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and productivity of this great natural resource.”

Background

Since 1960, approximately 1.5 million acres of American farmland have been converted to non-agricultural uses each year.  Land development and urbanization are leading to fragmentation of agricultural and forest land and loss of prime farmland and wildlife habitat.  Additionally, many farmers facing sprawling development are also facing an increasing tax burden due to escalating land values and increasing costs for community services.

Under the Family Farm Preservation Act, provided that the farmland is located in a county with a population of 100 persons or more per square mile, a farmer will be able to sell the development rights to his land to a qualified organization committed to land conservation and receive a lump sum payment up front that is not subject to capital gains.

By only allowing participation from farms in counties with 100 or more persons per square mile, the focus of this bill is on counties surrounding urban areas – those counties most pressured by development.  This legislation gives these farmers the opportunity to keep their family farms and thereby preserve the open spaces of our beautiful nation. 

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