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Partner with the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association to secure affordable farmland through conservation easements that reduce purchase prices by 30-50% while protecting agricultural land for future generations. Connect directly with their member land trusts across all 67 counties, each maintaining portfolios of protected farmland available for lease or purchase to qualified farmers committed to sustainable practices.

Access the Association’s Agricultural Land Protection Program, which has preserved over 580,000 acres of Pennsylvania farmland and continues facilitating matches between landowners seeking conservation-minded farmers and CSA operators needing secure, long-term land agreements. These land trusts solving land access challenges offer lease arrangements ranging from five to ninety-nine years, providing the stability essential for building thriving community-supported agriculture operations.

Leverage existing infrastructure on trust-protected properties, including barns, irrigation systems, and processing facilities that dramatically reduce startup costs for new CSA ventures. Many preserved farms come equipped with established growing areas, equipment storage, and even existing customer bases from previous agricultural operations.

Submit applications through local land trust chapters that prioritize beginning farmers, organic producers, and operations serving their immediate communities. The Association’s network includes success stories like Hawk Mountain Farm in Lancaster County and Three Springs Fruit Farm in Adams County, where farmers transformed protected land into flourishing CSA operations serving hundreds of member families while stewarding soil health and biodiversity for decades to come.

Why Finding Farmland Is the Hardest Part of Starting a CSA

For many aspiring CSA farmers, the dream of growing organic produce for their community hits a hard reality: finding land they can actually afford. Sarah Martinez learned this firsthand when she spent two years searching for farmland in Chester County. “I had the business plan, the customers ready to sign up, and years of growing experience,” she shares. “But every property I looked at was either priced for development or already sold to someone with deeper pockets.”

The numbers tell a sobering story. Pennsylvania farmland prices have climbed steadily over the past decade, with prime agricultural land near urban areas now commanding premium prices that put it out of reach for beginning farmers. When a 20-acre parcel comes on the market within reasonable distance of potential CSA customers, it often attracts interest from developers eyeing residential or commercial opportunities rather than farmers planning to grow vegetables.

Even when farmers can afford to purchase land, they face another challenge: competition. Established operations with existing capital, investors looking for land as an asset, and developers seeking conversion opportunities all vie for the same parcels. For someone hoping to start a small-scale CSA, winning a bidding war simply isn’t realistic.

Leasing offers an alternative, but comes with its own complications. Short-term rental agreements make it nearly impossible to invest in soil health improvements, install infrastructure like high tunnels or irrigation systems, or build the kind of permanent growing operation that sustains a successful CSA. Farmers need security—knowing they’ll be on the land long enough to see their investments pay off and build lasting relationships with their community members.

This is where creative solutions become essential, and why the partnership between CSA farmers and land trusts has become such a game-changer for Pennsylvania agriculture.

What the PA Land Trust Association Actually Does

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association serves as the backbone organization for over 50 local and regional land trusts working throughout the state. Think of them as the central support system that helps individual land trusts protect farmland, natural areas, and the agricultural heritage that makes Pennsylvania special.

At its core, the association doesn’t directly own or manage land. Instead, it empowers local land trusts by providing training, resources, and expertise they need to successfully conserve land in their communities. This collaborative approach means that whether you’re farming in Lancaster County or looking for CSA land in the Lehigh Valley, there’s likely a local land trust connected to this statewide network ready to help.

The association’s mission focuses on building the capacity of member land trusts to protect critical landscapes, including working farmland that supports local food systems. They offer technical assistance on everything from conservation easements to fundraising strategies, ensuring that smaller land trusts have access to the same professional knowledge as larger organizations.

For farmers and aspiring CSA operators, this structure creates real opportunities. When local land trusts preserve farmland through conservation easements, they’re often looking for the right farmers to steward that land. The association helps coordinate these efforts, connecting the dots between protected agricultural land and the people who want to farm it sustainably.

The organization also advocates for policies that support farmland preservation and provides educational programs about conservation. They bring together land trust staff, board members, and conservation-minded community members to share best practices and innovative solutions.

What makes this network particularly valuable for CSA farmers is the local expertise each member land trust brings. They understand their region’s specific agricultural needs, soil conditions, and community dynamics. The statewide association amplifies these local efforts, creating a powerful force for preserving Pennsylvania’s 7.3 million acres of farmland while making portions of it accessible to new and established growers committed to sustainable practices.

How Land Trust Partnerships Create CSA Opportunities

Conservation Easements That Keep Land Affordable

Conservation easements offer a powerful solution for making farmland more accessible to CSA farmers while protecting farmland for future generations. Here’s how they work: A landowner voluntarily agrees to place restrictions on their property that prevent future development, keeping it in agricultural use permanently. In exchange, they receive significant tax benefits or direct compensation that reduces the land’s market value.

For CSA farmers, this creates an incredible opportunity. When development rights are removed through a conservation easement, land prices can drop by 30-50%, making purchase or lease much more affordable. The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association helps connect farmers with landowners interested in establishing these easements, essentially creating a win-win situation.

Think of it as a promise to the land itself. The property remains privately owned and actively farmed, but its agricultural character is protected forever. Many successful CSA operations across Pennsylvania have accessed prime farmland through this model, allowing them to focus their resources on growing nutritious food rather than struggling with overwhelming land costs. It’s a practical pathway that honors both conservation goals and the dreams of dedicated farmers.

Long-Term Lease Arrangements

One of the most valuable ways land trusts support CSA farmers is through long-term lease arrangements that provide the stability needed to invest in sustainable farming operations. Unlike short-term rentals that can leave farmers vulnerable to sudden displacement, land trust leases typically span 10 to 99 years, giving farmers the security to plant perennial crops, build soil health, and develop infrastructure without fear of losing their investment.

These arrangements often come with affordable lease rates specifically designed to support beginning and small-scale farmers. Rather than charging market-rate prices that can be prohibitive for CSA operations, land trusts calculate fees based on agricultural use values. This makes prime farmland accessible to farmers who might otherwise be priced out of the market.

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association works with local and regional land trusts to create lease agreements that protect both the land and the farmer. These contracts typically include conservation provisions ensuring sustainable farming practices while giving farmers the freedom to make long-term management decisions. Many leases also include options for renewal or purchase, allowing successful CSA operations to eventually own their land. For farmers like those who’ve transformed previously vacant parcels into thriving CSA farms, these secure arrangements have been the foundation of their success, enabling them to focus on growing healthy food rather than worrying about their next growing season.

Land-Matching Programs

Many land trusts across Pennsylvania offer land-matching programs that serve as a bridge between farmers searching for farmland and landowners wanting to see their property remain productive. These programs maintain databases of available agricultural properties and connect them with qualified farmers, including those interested in starting or expanding CSA operations. When you register with a land trust’s matching service, you’ll typically complete a profile describing your farming experience, preferred acreage, and agricultural goals. The land trust then works to pair you with compatible landowners who may offer lease arrangements, sale opportunities, or conservation-protected farmland. Some programs even provide guidance on lease negotiations and help facilitate introductions between parties. Take the story of Maria Chen, who found her 15-acre CSA farm through a land trust matching program after two years of searching independently. The connection led to a long-term lease with below-market rates because the landowner valued keeping the land in organic production. These matching services save farmers countless hours of searching while giving landowners peace of mind that their property will continue supporting local food systems.

Real Pennsylvania CSA Farms Thriving Through Land Trust Partnerships

When Emily Chen and her partner Jake started Stone Mill Farm in Chester County, they faced the same obstacle that stops many aspiring farmers: finding affordable land. After years of searching, they connected with Natural Lands, a member organization of the PA Land Trust Association. Through a protected farmland lease agreement, they secured 15 acres in 2019 and launched their CSA operation serving 80 member families.

“We were working three jobs between us just to save for a land deposit that kept getting further out of reach,” Emily shares. “The land trust model changed everything. Instead of a massive down payment, we could invest in infrastructure and building our customer base.” Today, Stone Mill Farm operates a thriving 120-member CSA, growing certified organic vegetables and cut flowers while stewarding the conserved land for future generations.

Over in Lancaster County, Rooted Ground Farm found their home through Lancaster Farmland Trust. Farmer Marcus Williams had been working on other people’s farms for eight years, gaining experience but losing hope of ever operating his own CSA. “The trust helped us navigate a lease-to-own arrangement that actually worked with farming income,” Marcus explains. “They understood that farmers can’t pay commercial real estate prices and still keep CSA shares affordable for families.”

Marcus and his wife Sarah now serve 65 CSA members and supply three farmers markets weekly. They’ve created two apprenticeship positions, passing along opportunities to the next generation of growers. Their success demonstrates how building successful partnerships with land trusts creates ripple effects throughout local food systems.

In Berks County, Hillside Harvest worked with Berks County Conservancy to access previously unused farmland behind a preserved property. The creative arrangement allowed founders Maria and Tom Rodriguez to start small with just three acres while having room to expand. Four years later, they’re cultivating seven acres and their 95-member CSA includes a sliding scale payment option, making organic produce accessible to lower-income families.

These farmers all emphasize that land trust partnerships offered more than just acreage. They gained mentorship, connections to farming networks, and the security of long-term agreements that made business planning possible. Their stories prove that with the right support, the next generation of CSA farmers can put down roots and nourish their communities.

How to Connect with Land Trusts in Your Pennsylvania Community

Ready to explore land trust partnerships for your CSA farm? Here’s how to get started connecting with the right organizations in your Pennsylvania community.

Start by visiting the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association’s website, which features a searchable directory of member land trusts organized by county. This interactive map helps you identify trusts operating in your specific area. Many local land trusts focus on different priorities, so you’ll want to research each organization’s mission. Some emphasize agricultural preservation, while others prioritize recreation or conservation, making it essential to find the best match for your CSA vision.

Before reaching out, prepare a clear proposal outlining your farming goals. Include details about your experience level, the type of CSA operation you envision, your sustainable farming practices, and how your farm would benefit the community. Don’t worry if you’re just starting out. Many land trusts actively support beginning farmers through mentorship programs and educational resources. Having a simple business plan, even if it’s preliminary, demonstrates your commitment and professionalism.

When you make initial contact, request an informational meeting rather than immediately asking for land access. This low-pressure approach allows you to build relationships and understand what each trust can offer. Ask about their application processes, typical lease arrangements, and timeline expectations. Some trusts maintain waiting lists, while others might connect you with private landowners in their network.

Be patient throughout this journey. Land access partnerships typically take months to establish, not weeks. However, the wait is worthwhile. Local farmer Maria Rodriguez spent six months working with her county land trust before securing her ten-acre CSA site, and she credits that relationship-building period with setting her farm up for long-term success. Stay persistent, attend land trust events, and keep communication open. Your dedication to sustainable agriculture makes you exactly the kind of partner these organizations want to support.

What CSA Members Can Do to Support Land Access

As a CSA member or community supporter, you have incredible power to help protect farmland and ensure your favorite local farmers can continue growing your food. Here’s how you can make a real difference:

Start by becoming a member or donor to your local land trust. Even modest contributions help these organizations purchase and protect agricultural land. Many land trusts offer volunteer opportunities too—from trail maintenance to administrative support—that keep operational costs low and maximize their conservation impact.

Spread the word about farmland preservation in your networks. Share your CSA farmer’s story on social media, bring friends to farm events, and talk about why local agriculture matters. These community engagement strategies help build the public support that land trusts need to secure funding and partnerships.

Show up at public meetings when farmland development is on the agenda. Your voice matters to township supervisors and county commissioners making land-use decisions. Contact your local representatives to support agricultural easement programs and funding for land conservation.

Consider including a land trust in your estate planning. Legacy gifts ensure future generations can access locally grown food and preserve the rural character of Pennsylvania’s landscape.

Finally, stay informed about your CSA farm’s land situation. If they’re struggling with land access, connect them with the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association and advocate alongside them for secure tenure solutions.

Land trusts and CSA farms are natural partners in creating a more sustainable and resilient food system across Pennsylvania. Throughout this exploration of the PA Land Trust Association’s work, we’ve seen how these partnerships transform challenges into opportunities, connecting farmers who need land with communities that cherish it. From permanent farmland protection to flexible lease arrangements, land trusts provide the foundation that allows CSA operations to thrive and grow deep roots in their communities.

If you’re a farmer dreaming of starting or expanding your CSA operation, reaching out to your local land trust could be the first step toward making that vision a reality. Many land trusts actively seek farmers to steward protected properties, and they understand the unique needs of small-scale, sustainable agriculture. For consumers and community members, supporting your local land trust through membership, donations, or volunteering directly strengthens the farm-to-table connections that bring fresh, organic produce to your neighborhood.

The future of Pennsylvania agriculture depends on creative solutions and committed partnerships. By engaging with land trusts today, we’re investing in farmland access, food security, and vibrant rural communities for generations to come. Take that step forward and connect with your local land trust.