AlB-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, October 10, 1987 State Vote Yes (Continued from Page A 1) part of the Department of Environ mental Resources, in the mid 50s, I became acutely aware of Pennsyl vania’s diminishing farm and woodland. We were in a post-war economy. Things were booming and we were growing. They were exciting years for Pennsylvania. But, sadly, not enough thought nor planning went into those years of growth. But, the farmers knew...and they were concerned. So concerned that throughout the 1960 s and 70s, they pressed the General Assembly to recognize the need for conservat ory techniques to save our valuable farmland-. The General Assembly responded in passage of legislation to slow the erosion or the total loss of farmland. But, farmland acres continue to disappear at an alarming rate, not just in Lancaster County but across the stale. According to the Crop Reporting Services, United Slates Department of Agriculture more than 900,000 acres of Pennsylva nia farmland were lost between 1975 and 1985. Some persons have questioned these figures, but they are the only reliable source available to us. It doesn’t matter if it’s 700,000...900,000..,0r one million acres lost. The point is - Pennsyl vania is losing farmland that is almost impossible to replace. Driving down here today was a stark reminder to me about the importance of preserving farm land. The particular road, Route M STRIKE IT RICH! SELL IT WITH A LANCASTER FARMING CLASSIFIED 283, that I was traveling came into being in my life time. It took sever al thousand acres of farmland to create that interstate, because for every mile of interstate it takes 60 acres of land. Housing developments, shop ping centers and other construction activities cover once valuable farmland. It’s too late and in some cases too costly to save thousands of acres of farmland, but we have a golden opportunity to get a start in this process called farmland preservation. Keith Eckel, president of the Pennsylvania Farmers’ Associa tion, said his organization has been working for this day since it adopted its farmland preservation policy in 1975. “Look around you,” Eckel said, referring to the farmers bringing the fruits of the land to the market. “This is our heritage. But it’s also our future. Speaking optimistically, Eckel continued, “When the referendum is approved, we will start a journey that will lead to a more prosperous agn business in the commwealth because we are starting the process of preserving our most important resource in Pennsylvania-- farmland. This program is a voluntary one. The farmer will not be forced to participate. The farmer will not be forced to shoulder the total finan cial burden if the local community decides to preserve farmland. Young farmers can plan their farming operations once the deve lopment rights are purchased. They are free to farm instead of worrying about how long the farm will be there. LET FARMER BOY DESIGN AND BUILD YOU A POULTRY FACILITY FOR TURKEY, BROILERS OR HEAVY LAYERS BEACON TURKEY AND BROILER FEED LINES Full Line Of lIP Shenandoah Hr. Equipment Tr \ ****** M A A * | GB-UV3 * ■ * brooder SWINE & POULTRY SYSTEMS SPECIALISTS FARMER BOY AG. PH 71 7 866 7565 410 E LINCOLN AVE 24 Hour Service BEST IN DESIGN , PRICE AND EXPERIENCE MVERSTOWN PA 17067 At the kickoff of the Pennsylvania campaign to secure a yes vote for the nonbinding $lOO million farmland bond referendum are (L to R) Keith Eckel, president Pennsylva nia Farmers’ Association; Dr. Maurice Goddard, chairman State Vote “Yes” commit tee and state Senator Noah Wenger. For all the citizens it i«■>" effort to save our heritage, a way of life and our future production of qual ity food and fiber products. Introducing the speakers and adding his support to the program was state Senator Noah Wenger (R) 36th Senatorial District. Wen ger said, “We have been concerned in this area about the disappear ance of agriculture for a long time. We in the legislature took action in 1981 that made provision to estab lish agricultural areas and then authorized counties to purchase development casements in those agricultural areas. That bill was passed with tremendous support, but we did not at that time provide any slate funds to support our Tie’* actions. We knew at some lime in the future this step would need to be taken so the program could reach its potential. This year we have the opportunity because there will be a question on the ballot, which will provide for state funds to go to the local county level to expand the program and assure a continuity of agriculture on our fine farms in Pennsylvania. It’s an important step, and we hope it will be approved by the elcctrct.” The referendum on the Novem ber 3, 1987, ballot will ask voters to approve the sale of state bonds to raise $lOO million for a farm land preservation program. If approved, the money will be used mE ******* l Available In 60,000 To 168,000 Bill's W Year Guarantee Optional Stainless Steel Housing Increase profit margin with Cton Agri-Loir curtains. ->*