Farmers markets, CSAs and “pick your own” events are popular this time of year, but for Pennsylvania’s more than 5,000 preserved farms, there are pressing issues ranging from tariffs to unprecedented market conditions.

“It’s tempting to romanticize the life of the local farmer. But just as with any other industry, if we cannot develop our farms into viable and growing businesses, they will disappear,” says Gary Smith, President of the Chester County Economic Development Council and life-long farmer. “This issue is becoming even more critical as we preserve more and more open space for farming, and we must pinpoint economic development solutions that help those existing farms to operate profitably.”

To advance this initiative, all local business leaders are invited to register for the Pennsylvania Agriculture Breakfast Briefing being held this Friday, October 12^th at the Chester County Economic Development Council’s headquarters in Exton, PA. Led by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Team Pennsylvania, and the Chester County Economic Development Council, this collaboration of public and private leadership includes the following panel:

• Michael Smith  – Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Executive Deputy Secretary 
• Kelly Kundratic – Manager of Agriculture Policy & Programs, Team Pennsylvania
• Gale Ferranto – President of Buona Foods, Inc 
• Scott Hauseman – Senior Vice President, Agriculture Financial Services, Fulton Bank

Topics include:

• The economic impact of agriculture and its future in PA
• Updates on Team Pennsylvania’s report “PA Agriculture: A Look at the Economic Impact and Future Trends” and advancing the industry towards the report’s 6 strategic recommendations
• Viable economic development efforts for PA and the region’s next generation of farmers
• Public policy that enables a sustainable living for farming families

When: Friday, October 12, 2018

Breakfast and Networking from 7:30am to 8:00am
Program from 8:00am to 9:00am

Where:    Chester County Economic Development Council, 737 Constitution Drive, Exton, PA 19341

Click Here to Register

The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 50 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships, and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. With the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County.

For more information, visit https://ccedcpa.com/