Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Thursday the state is investing more than $10.2 million to purchase development rights for 2,645 acres on 31 farms in 20 counties, including one farm in Butler County.

In Butler County, the state invested $542,477 and the county invested $46,530 to preserve a 124-acre crop and livestock farm in Jefferson Township. The farm is owned by Clifford and Patricia Black.

The state Agricultural Land Preservation Board approved the easements, protecting the farms from future residential or commercial development, continuing the administration’s support of one of Pennsylvania’s key industries.

The county currently has 79 farms and over 8,105 acres of preserved farmland. It is closing on three farms, including the Black farm. The county will have 82 farms and over 8,361 acres preserved after it closes on those three farms, said Sheryl Kelly, county farmland coordinator.

To date, Shapiro said his administration has invested nearly $164 million to preserve 555 farms and 46,178 prime acres of farmland across the state.

“Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserved farmland, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our farm families and strong support at every level of government,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Many of these farmers have been offered the opportunity to sell their land for development, but they’ve chosen instead to stay committed to feeding our Commonwealth and carrying on their families’ farming traditions.

“The Shapiro Administration is honoring that commitment by protecting farmland and investing in the innovation and infrastructure needed to sustain Pennsylvania agriculture for generations to come.”