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For Immediate Release
March 9, 2010
Contact: David Atkinson
717-787-6535
 

Senator Lloyd Smucker

 Honoring The Legacy Of Amos Funk

Late in February, a gentleman by the name of Amos Funk passed away, at the age of 98.  His is not a household name, but it should be.  Everyone who takes pride in our agricultural traditions, everyone who appreciates the substantial economic contribution of agribusiness, everyone who cherishes a productive farming future in Pennsylvania, owes a debt of thanks to Amos Funk.  A man of faith, he believed deeply in the responsibility of caring for the land.  Through his life’s work and passion, he earned the title of "father of Lancaster County farm preservation." 

Lancaster County, long recognized for agricultural prominence, was the frontline example of where prime agricultural land was threatened by heavy development pressure.  So there the seeds were planted for the agricultural preservation programs that have taken root in most Pennsylvania counties.  To deal with the special challenge of preserving property owned by Amish and Mennonite families, the Lancaster Farmland Trust was created. 

Amos Funk provided a lot of the vision, energy, and innovation behind these programs. His brand of leadership involved both learning and doing.  The results show – Lancaster County has 86,000 acres preserved over the past quarter century, and more are added each year.

He worked both ends of the equation.  It is important to keep good land in agriculture, but it is equally important to keep farmland in good shape by using the best practices.  Soil and water conservation are common topics for discussion nowadays.  Amos Funk was a pioneer in these areas, starting way back in the 1930s.  We consider it a remarkable accomplishment when someone devotes 25 years in one place or to one cause.  Amos’ commitment to farmland conservation covered more than 75 years.

State and national leaders sought his advice and secured his participation in numerous conservation and preservation efforts.  It appears that he had only one answer – "yes."

Without the leadership of Amos Funk, agriculture would be much diminished in our economy.  His is a most extraordinary and lasting legacy, born of a fervent desire to do the right thing.