The 12 Fastest Growing Agricultural Regions in Pennsylvania

3/8/2026

The 12 Fastest Growing Agricultural Regions in Pennsylvania 

Where Agricultural Expansion Is Happening Across the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania has long been one of the most important agricultural states in the United States. With more than 7 million acres of farmland and over 50,000 farms, agriculture remains a major component of the Commonwealth’s economy and land use.

However, agriculture is not growing at the same pace everywhere in the state. Some regions are experiencing rapid agricultural expansion due to strong farm economics, modern farming infrastructure, and favorable land prices. Other areas are seeing new agricultural investment driven by specialty crops, livestock production, and local food markets.

For farmers expanding operations, agricultural investors seeking opportunities, and farmland owners evaluating land values, understanding where agriculture is growing can provide valuable insight into farmland markets.

Below are twelve of the fastest growing agricultural regions in Pennsylvania and the factors driving that growth.

1. Lancaster County Agricultural Region

Lancaster County continues to be one of the most productive and dynamic agricultural regions in Pennsylvania.

Agricultural growth in the county is supported by:

• highly productive limestone soils
• strong agricultural infrastructure
• access to major food markets
• a large community of active farmers

Agricultural operations in the region include dairy farms, poultry production, crop farming, produce farms, and specialty agriculture.

Because farmland supply is limited and demand from farmers remains strong, the region continues to experience steady agricultural investment.

2. Adams County Fruit Belt

Adams County has experienced significant agricultural growth driven by its fruit industry. The county is one of the leading apple-producing regions in the eastern United States and supports a large network of orchards, fruit processing facilities, and agricultural suppliers.

Growth in this region is fueled by:

• apple orchards
• specialty fruit production
• modern orchard management techniques
• expanding agricultural technology

The region continues to attract agricultural investment due to its favorable climate and strong fruit markets.

3. The Cumberland Valley Agricultural Corridor

The Cumberland Valley stretches through south-central Pennsylvania and includes counties such as: 

• Cumberland County
• Franklin County
• parts of Adams County

This region supports large agricultural operations producing dairy, grains, poultry, and fruit crops.

Growth in the region is driven by:

• productive soils
• strong agricultural infrastructure
• access to interstate transportation corridors
• proximity to population centers

These factors help sustain strong farmland demand.

4. The Susquehanna Valley Agricultural Region

The Susquehanna Valley has become one of the fastest growing agricultural areas in central Pennsylvania.

Counties in this region include:

• Snyder County
• Union County
• Northumberland County

Agriculture in this region includes grain production, dairy farming, and livestock operations.

Growth is driven by relatively affordable farmland prices and large contiguous farms that support modern agricultural operations.

5. The Lehigh Valley Agricultural Region

The Lehigh Valley region includes:

• Lehigh County
• Northampton County

Agriculture remains active throughout the region despite strong development pressure. Farmers in the Lehigh Valley produce a wide variety of crops including vegetables, grains, and specialty agricultural products.

Growth in the region is influenced by:

• access to major consumer markets
• strong demand for locally produced food
• expanding specialty agriculture

Farmland in this region may also hold transitional development value.

6. York County Agricultural Region

York County continues to see steady agricultural growth due to its strong agricultural infrastructure and productive farmland.

The county supports a wide range of agricultural operations including:

• dairy farms
• poultry production
• grain farming
• livestock operations

Agricultural demand remains strong as farmers continue to expand operations.

7. Lebanon County Agricultural Region

Lebanon County remains one of Pennsylvania’s most competitive farmland markets.

Agricultural growth in the region is driven by:

• strong dairy and poultry industries
• highly productive farmland
• established agricultural infrastructure

Limited farmland supply combined with strong agricultural demand continues to drive land values in the region.

8. Northwestern Pennsylvania Agricultural Region

Northwestern Pennsylvania has experienced increased agricultural investment in recent years.

Counties in this region include:

• Crawford County
• Mercer County
• Erie County

Agriculture in the region includes dairy farming, livestock production, grain farming, and vineyards.

Erie County’s grape industry continues to expand due to the favorable climate created by Lake Erie.

9. The Northern Tier Agricultural Region

The Northern Tier includes counties such as:

• Bradford County
• Tioga County
• Potter County

This region contains large farms and significant agricultural acreage.

Agricultural growth in the region is driven by:

• relatively affordable farmland
• large agricultural parcels
• expanding dairy operations

These factors attract farmers seeking to expand operations.

10. Southwestern Pennsylvania Agricultural Region

Southwestern Pennsylvania includes counties such as:

• Washington County
• Westmoreland County
• Butler County

Agriculture in this region includes crop farming, livestock production, and hay production.

While farmland prices remain lower than in southeastern Pennsylvania, demand for farmland remains stable due to active agricultural communities.

11. The Lake Erie Agricultural Belt

The Lake Erie region of Pennsylvania supports a unique agricultural economy centered around vineyards and specialty crops.

Erie County is one of the largest grape-producing areas in the eastern United States. 

Growth in this region is driven by:

• vineyard expansion
• winery development
• favorable climate conditions

The wine industry continues to support agricultural investment.

12. Central Pennsylvania Grain Belt

Central Pennsylvania includes several counties with strong grain production, including:

• Centre County
• Juniata County
• Mifflin County

Large farms in these areas produce corn, soybeans, and other commodity crops.

Agricultural growth in the region is supported by strong soils and relatively large farm sizes.

Why Some Agricultural Regions Grow Faster Than Others

Several factors influence agricultural growth across Pennsylvania.

The fastest growing agricultural regions typically share several characteristics:

• productive soils
• strong agricultural infrastructure
• access to markets
• active farming communities
• relatively affordable farmland

These factors help create conditions that support farm expansion and agricultural investment.

The Impact of Agricultural Growth on Farmland Markets

As agriculture expands in certain regions, farmland demand often increases. When demand increases, farmland values typically rise as well.

Farmers seeking to expand operations often compete for available farmland, particularly in regions with strong agricultural economies.

This competition can significantly influence farmland markets.

Final Advisory Perspective

Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy continues to evolve as farmers adopt new technologies, expand operations, and respond to changing markets.

While agriculture remains strong throughout the state, certain regions are experiencing faster growth due to favorable soil conditions, strong agricultural infrastructure, and competitive farmland markets.

For farmers, investors, and farmland owners, understanding where agriculture is expanding can provide valuable insight into farmland values and long-term agricultural opportunities across the Commonwealth.