Fifth-Generation Farm Gets Permanent Agricultural Protection
Press Release
Photo: Three generations of the Morrow Family own and operate Morning Glory Farm, now a preserved farm in Plum Borough.
May 2, 2024
PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) and Allegheny County Agriculture Lands Preservation Board (ACALPB) proudly announce the preservation of Morning Glory Farm in Plum Borough.
Morning Glory Farm, owned and operated by three generations of the Morrow family; including Bob and Jane Morrow, Rob and Jillian Morrow, and Rebecca and Anthony Mattarochia, became the 43rd farm preserved in Allegheny County with a 128.89-acre easement.
The recent preservation effort ensures that Morning Glory Farm will remain as agricultural land in perpetuity. This commitment guarantees that Allegheny County communities will continue to have access to locally produced vegetables, crops and meats for generations to come. Morning Glory Farm is known for its high-quality products, including beef, pork and various row crops such as corn, soy, oats, sunflowers, hay and sorghum.
“The preservation program allows our family heritage of farming to continue through the next generation. It reduces the economic burden of land ownership and the infrastructure and equipment needed for sustainable and regenerative practices. It also allows proper stewardship of the land,” said Bob Morrow.
Since 2002, ACCD and ACALPB have collectively preserved 4,223 acres of farmland in the county. The total preserved farm acreage in Allegheny County exceeds the combined size of North Park and Boyce Park.
“Farms in Allegheny County help communities by reducing the migration of unwanted chemicals and soil into watershed sources. The large green areas act as filters to slow down or keep nutrients on the farm. Acres of green are more beneficial than acres of concrete,” said Morrow.
Morning Glory Farm joins a growing list of preserved agricultural operations across Allegheny County, including Blackberry Meadows Farm, Janoski Family Farms, Triple-B Farms and many others.
“ACCD is proud to partner with state and local government to guarantee a future food supply, safeguard green spaces and biodiversity, and support the farmers who feed our communities,” said Heather Manzo, ACCD Executive Director.
Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserved farmland. Since the statewide program began in 1988, more than 622,000 acres have been preserved across Pennsylvania.
This preservation occurs during Conservation District Week recognized by both the State House and Senate as April 28 to May 4, 2024, to celebrate the work of Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts.
To purchase products, contact Morning Glory Farm on Instagram @morninggloryfarms413 or visit the Monday Market at Plum Creek Park.
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About ACCD: Allegheny County Conservation District is an urban conservation district that engages and leads through partnerships, innovation and implementation to conserve, promote and improve Allegheny County’s natural resources.
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Photos courtesy of Morning Glory Farm.