These farms are businesses that are run by human beings and we need to take in to account those human needs. Unfortunately, these human issues currently receive little or no consideration in selecting the farms being preserved. I contend that they should. This is occurring in spite of the best farmland preservation program in the nation. And, I might add that there has been a 7-10 year waiting list in Lancaster County to sell development rights.
Additional funding is an issue.
The interest in preservation is there, at least in Pennsylvania, but often so is the temptation to sell the farm to developers. However, I would also contend that increasing funding for preservation programs is not the only issue. The family cannot afford to move off the farm and retire unless they sell the farm. Even though they want to give their sons the opportunity to farm, they may decide to sell the farm at market value because in the long run that may be what's best for their family. Everyone agrees we want our farmland to be used and be productive.