Chester County’s focus on the importance of agriculture and agriculture economic development has led to a strategic restructure and partnership with the Chester County Economic Development Council.

AgConnect, the Next Generation Industry Partnership originally introduced and managed by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), has broadened its scope to not only support agricultural producers across the region, but also to provide valuable resources and educational opportunities to Chester County consumers.

A key part of the transition will see AgConnect leading the implementation of the Chester County Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan, aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the county’s agricultural sector.

In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe said, “For several years, AgConnect has been instrumental in linking farmers and agricultural business owners with essential business resources, training opportunities, and financing options, across the county as well as the southeastern region.

“By coming together with the CCEDC and broadening the scope of AgConnect, we will bring more resources to farmers and agricultural businesses and promote the significance – and value –of farming to our residents and visitors. It only makes sense.”

Since 1989, Chester County government has promoted the economic impact and excellence of the local farming industry through the Chester County Agricultural Development Council (Ag Council). The Ag Council ran several agricultural programs, initiatives and resources, as well as produced the annual Chester County Farm Product Guide and awarded both the Farmer of the Year and the Distinguished Service to Agricultural awards. In 2022, based on a plan developed and recommended by the Ag Council, the County Commissioners adopted an Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Gary Westlake, of Westlake Tree Farms in Pottstown and former chair of the Ag Council, said, “The county has further solidified its commitment to today’s agriculture with the restructure of AgConnect. This public/private partnership is the successor to the Ag Council and was the foremost recommendation of the 2022 Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan commissioned by the county. Our rich agricultural heritage, agricultural communities, agricultural producers and agricultural infrastructure are now better suited for greater opportunity and sustainability in the region.”

The AgConnect restructuring will introduce a newly established AgConnect Advisory Executive Committee, designed to steer the initiative and set strategic priorities. The 11-person committee includes Chairpersons from each of four action teams, three agriculture industry leaders appointed by the Chester County Commissioners, three agriculture employers appointed by the Chester County Economic Development Council and one staff member from the County Commissioners’ Office.

This diverse and experienced committee will oversee the development and execution of AgConnect’s workplan, ensuring alignment with the county’s strategic objectives.

To address various aspects of agricultural development, four action teams have been formed:

• AgConnect Workforce Development: Focused on regional agricultural workforce development;
• AgConnect Finance: Dedicated to providing farm loan opportunities and financial support;
• AgConnect Chester County: Tasked with implementing the Agricultural Economic Development Plan for the county;
• AgConnect Promotions: Responsible for promoting the agricultural industry, coordinating the Farm Guide, and organizing the Chester County Farmer of the Year ceremony.

Greg Newell, Chair of the AgConnect Advisory Executive Committee, said, “Chester County is the second largest agricultural producing county in the state, and the implementation of the Ag Economic Development Plan will enhance and strengthen that position. Through this new AgConnect, we have the unique opportunity carry out this Plan, and help our ag producers, while also bringing our agricultural products more conveniently to our residents.”

Gary Smith, CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, is excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring.

“We believe that the synergies between the public and the private sectors can be used as a template for other counties across Pennsylvania to support and promote agriculture. We are excited by this opportunity to have our County Commissioners, along with prominent business leaders, come together, and we are privileged as an organization to provide the staff support for AgConnect, to administer the programs and the strategies that are being developed,” said Smith.

AgConnect will keep the community updated on the progress of this initiative through its new website and social media platforms, as well as a monthly newsletter. Regular updates will provide insights into the actions being taken to realize the goals of the Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan.