Agricultural Land Preservation (ALP) Board

Agricultural Land Preservation (ALP) Board

Purpose

The County Board was established to administer the Agricultural Conservation Easement (ACE) Program for Berks County as set forth in the Agricultural Area Security Law (3 P.S. §§ 901-915) as amended, and any other public program approved by the Berks County governing body for the purpose of preserving agricultural land.

History

The Berks County Agricultural Land Preservation Board has been protecting farmland since 1989 through the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, currently the only technique that will ensure prime agricultural land is permanently protected. The Agricultural Land Preservation Board, a nine-member board appointed by the County Commissioners, is tasked with administering the agricultural land preservation program in Berks County. Agricultural easements limit the activity to agriculture and remain with the property deed in perpetuity. 

Landowners receive compensation based on appraisal values and maximum payments per acre in return for the long-term commitment to agriculture. To date, over 75,000 acres of farmland have been preserved. Berks County is now third largest in the terms of the number of acres preserved by an agricultural preservation program in the United States and the second behind their Pennsylvania neighbors, Lancaster County. This could not have been achieved without the widespread support of farmers throughout the County. The other crucial party to this success has been the Berks County Commissioners, who in 1999, awarded a $30 million bond specifically for agricultural easement purchases. In December of 2005, the Berks County Commissioners awarded a $24 million line of credit specifically for the purchase of agricultural easements and continue to support the program on an annual basis. The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is assisted by a staff of four, including an Executive Director, an Agricultural Conservation Easement Technician, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Specialist, and an Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Coordinator.

Agricultural Land Preservation Board Meetings

Submission of Materials

Matters to be presented to the Berks County Agricultural Land Preservation Board (BCALPB) that may require legal review must be submitted to the Agricultural Land Preservation Office by 12:00 noon three (3) weeks prior to a regular board meeting. If legal counsel will attend the regular board meeting of the BCALPB to discuss the matter, the applicant's attorney must also submit a legal argument to the BCALPB's solicitor by 12:00 noon three (3) weeks prior to the regular board meeting. Non-legal matters to be brought before the BCALPB for discussion shall be received by 12:00 noon two (2) weeks prior to the regular board meeting unless an exception is approved by the Executive Director or board officer.

To Participate in These Meetings

Berks County has revised its position regarding public participation in our virtual meetings.

The public is still invited to participate in meetings but will now do so by using the County's YouTube Channel platform for public participation.  You can access this site by clicking here.

Public Comments Opportunities

Public comments may be offered as a part of the meeting online by using the Add a Public Comment... feature below the active screen on the YouTube web page.

Comments may also be submitted via email before or during the meeting to DeptofAg@countyofberks.com.

Comments will be addressed, as able, either during the meeting or as a follow-up after the meeting.

 Meeting Time & Location

All regular meetings are scheduled for Wednesdays at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room at the Berks County Agricultural Center and are subject to change.


Meeting Schedule

Berks County Agricultural Land Preservation Board (BCALPB) Meeting Minutes

For minutes prior to 2019 please contact DeptofAg@countyofberks.com.