Unsure if the squeaky wheel really gets the grease? Consider Union County.

Farmers in the county showed up at a comprehensive planning meeting to complain that not enough is being done to preserve farmland.

That may be debatable -- the county actually boosted the amount it plans to spend on farmland preservation by 25 percent for 2008. And Union County has historically been more aggressive about farmland preservation than other Susquehanna Valley counties.

Pennsylvania's farmland preservation program combines state funds that match county dollars.

Union County has invested heavily in the program, allowing the county to buy the development rights to more farms.

Combined, Snyder, Northumberland and Montour counties protected a little more than 4,000 acres of farmland.

Union County has preserved 5,000 acres.

The financial incentive for farmers to continue operating is just one way counties can protect the agriculture industry.

Zoning is an important safeguard as well. State law protects the right of farmers to operate even if their practices make them unpopular with neighboring homeowners.

But farming is a tough business in which to turn a profit. Many Valley farmers continue to operate out of love for the vocation.

Conflicts with neighbors could be sufficient to convince that the challenges of operating a family farm are not worth the bother. Adequate zoning can alleviate potential conflicts before they occur.

Union County farmers have enjoyed the fruits of their efforts lobbying for support from county government.

This week, they made clear that county officials should continue protecting their interests by making it a key cog in the comprehensive plan.

Other Valley farmers may want to consider Union County and ask why their county governments are lagging in efforts to protect the region's agriculture industry.