Maple Acres Farm in Plymouth Meeting is now protected from future redevelopment through the Montgomery County Agricultural Land Preservation Program.

Plymouth Township’s Council approved a farm conservation easement and is contributing 15 percent ($134,919) of the total purchase price of $939,572.55. The state is contributing $556,712.96 and the county is pitching in $247,940.59. The purchase price is based on an appraisal of the farm’s 26-acre property.

So how does this work? From the county’s website:

When the easement is sold, the owner keeps the land but no longer has the right to build non-agricultural buildings. The land must remain in farming in perpetuity. The farmer may sell the land, but the new owner must continue to grow productive crops or pasture on it. 

If you aren’t familiar with Maples Acres Farm, it is located behind the Plymouth Meeting Mall and has a farm stand, a few pick-your-own options and, some seasonal events.