Farming remains an important part of Upper Allen Township’s identity. While the township has experienced significant residential, commercial, and industrial growth, the township’s official history page says that “large farms still exist throughout the area,” showing that agriculture is still part of the community’s present-day landscape, not just its past.
Farming helps shape Upper Allen Township’s character, open space, and land-use planning. Agriculture is not just about individual farms — it also connects to broader public discussions about zoning, preservation, development, and how the township plans for the future. Township meeting records show that farmland preservation continues to be part of local policy discussions.
One of the clearest examples of Upper Allen’s support for agriculture is its Agricultural Security Area, also called an ASA. The township says the ASA was established in 2002, and as of 2024, it includes more than 902 acres. The ASA program exists to strengthen and protect agriculture in Pennsylvania by allowing eligible farm owners to voluntarily place land into a designated area that supports the long-term viability of farming. According to the township’s public information, participation in the ASA is voluntary. The township also explains that the program can provide certain protections and benefits, including consideration if farmland is proposed for condemnation, protection from some nuisance challenges, and a path toward farmland preservation through conservation easements.
Agriculture still appears in Upper Allen Township’s planning and zoning discussions. In June 2025, Board of Commissioners meeting minutes reflected discussion about limiting certain contractor-related uses in the Agricultural District so that more intensive non-farm uses would be directed to more appropriate commercial or industrial areas instead. That discussion shows that agricultural zoning is still being treated as something worth protecting. In May 2025, township meeting minutes also noted that future planning can include farmland preservation. That does not mean every piece of farmland is permanently protected, but it does show that preserving agricultural land remains part of the township’s long-term planning conversation.
In December 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to amend the township Agricultural Security Area by adding two parcels totaling 8.7 acres. That public action shows the ASA is not just a historic program on paper — it is still being updated through current township action.
A few key points are helpful when thinking about farming in Upper Allen Township:
Farming is still present in the township today.
The township officially supports agriculture through its Agricultural Security Area.
More than 902 acres were listed in the ASA as of 2024.
Agricultural land continues to influence zoning and preservation discussions.
Public policy conversations about growth and land use can directly affect the future of farming in the township.