Agriculture Security Advisory Committee

The Commonwealth began the Agricultural Security Area (ASA) program in 1981 as a tool for strengthening and protecting agriculture in Pennsylvania. The purpose of being in an ASA is to protect participating farmers from “nuisance” challenges, thus encouraging the continuing use of land for productive agricultural purposes.

In 1991, the Township of Rostraver created an Agriculture Security Advisory Committee. The committee shall consist of three active farmers, each representing a different private or corporate farm, one citizen residing within the unit of local government and one

The current Agriculture Security Advisory Committee consists of: Nick Lorenzo, chairman, Russell Lynn, William J. Melilli, George Patterson, Thomas G. Patterson and Rodney Smith.

Rostraver Township currently has 2,839.8699 acres consisting of 58 different tax map parcels in the township ASA. A complete listing of those properties which are in the ASA can be found at: www.wcdeeds.us
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Eligibility of property: (Based on the Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation, Agricultural Security Area Handbook)

1. Noncontiguous farm parcel must be at least 10 acres in size
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2. The property should be viable agricultural land. Cropland, pasture and woodland can all be included in an agricultural security area.

3. At least 50% of the land should be in Soil Capability Classes I=IV, as defined by the county soil survey.

4. The property must be zoned to permit agriculture uses. In the case of Rostraver Township, agriculture uses are only permitted in A-1.