What is Pennsylvania’s Clean & Green Act?

 

 

The Clean and Green Act, also known as Act 319, is designed to preserve farmland, forest land and any open space.  It was established in 1974.  The property is taxed based on its use as farmland, rather than its market value and its potential use for activities other than agriculture.

 

The program requires a minimum of 10 acres of land which would be capable of producing $2,000 annually in agricultural sales and will continue to remain in agricultural use, agricultural reserve, or forest reserve.  Once the land is take out of agricultural use, it is then subject to a roll-back tax, which is imposed for up to seven years, plus, six percent interest.  There may be certain split-off or separated lands which would be exempted from roll-back penalties, provided the original use of the land does not change.

 

The owner of the land must apply in order to enroll in the Clean and Green Act, and be accepted.  It is a voluntary program.

 

Visit the Pennsylvania Bureau of Farmland Preservation  site to learn more about the Clean and Green Act.