September 15, 2021
SURVEY: How has COVID-19 affected your
agricultural operation or business?
Through the American Rescue Plan, Berks County is to receive $81.6 million in funding over the next several years. These funds will be used to strengthen sectors that were affected by COVID-19, including agriculture. Please take 3 minutes to fill out this survey on how COVID-19 affected your agricultural operation or business.
 
Your information is anonymous and will be used to make informed decisions.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Emily E. Wangolo, Deputy Director, Berks County Department of Agriculture at EWangolo@countyofberks.com or (610) 378-1844, x2543.
Berks Agricultural Resource Network (B.A.R.N.)'s Holiday Food & Gift Guide
If you are a B.A.R.N. member looking to participate in this year's Holiday Gift & Food Guide, please complete the form below to be included. The guide lists holiday gifts and farm to table food items that can be used during holiday celebrations. Make sure your farm is included!
Celebrating 600,000 Acres Preserved
The Press Event was held at Jeremy & Cindy Martin’s 50.1-acre farm in Bethel Township; the State Board of Farmland Preservation held the Press Event to celebrate the milestone of reaching 600,000 Acres of farmland that is perpetually preserved in PA. 
 
Berks County, a partner in agricultural conservation easement purchases with the State, has preserved over 793 farms encompassing 76,219 acres.
USDA Invests $700 million to Provide Relief to Small...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will soon publish Requests for Applications (RFAs) for new grant programs - the Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program and the Seafood Processors...

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www.ams.usda.gov
Farm Vitality Planning Program

A Pennsylvania Farm Bill Program The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program will help fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm. The program will enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's farms through sound...

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www.agriculture.pa.gov
National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Farm of the Future is a competitive grant program that will be implemented by USDA NIFA to establish an agricultural test bed and demonstration site.

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nifa.usda.gov
News from PA Dept. of Agriculture

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the opening of the 2021-22 PA Farm Bill's $500,000 Farm to School Grant Program to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for ...

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www.media.pa.gov
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine and Permitting

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Order of Quarantine and Treatment was created to protect Pennsylvania's economy and residential quality of life to stop the spread of this invasive pest to new areas within or outside of the current quarantine zone....

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www.agriculture.pa.gov
New Dairy Donation Program: What You Need to Know

As part of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, USDA was directed by Congress to create a program to promote donations of eligible dairy products and reduce food waste, with a total price tag of $400 million. The resulting program partners...

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www.lancasterfarming.com
Hurricane Ida: A Good Reminder to Keep Soils Covered

Ida wreaked widespread havoc in the northeastern U.S., with reports of up to 11 inches dropped in southeastern PA on September 1 st. It is another wake up call to manage our soils so that they are protected and can take in high volumes of water.

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extension.psu.edu
Manure Pit Fatalities Spur Toxic Fumes Awareness

ST. HENRY, Ohio - Among farmers, one family's tragedy can feel like every family's tragedy. On Aug. 10, three brothers died from the toxic fumes of an underground manure pit on their family's farm, sending shock waves across the agricultural...

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www.lancasterfarming.com
Everything You Need to Know About Buying at Produce Auctions

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - There is a distinct difference between farmers markets and produce auctions. If you have the responsibility of purchasing quantities of food for a restaurant, school, institution or business, it's important to learn that...

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www.lancasterfarming.com
Agriculture Viability Series: Planning the Human...

Learn how to lessen the amount spent on one of your biggest business expenses from the experts!

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extension.psu.edu
News from PA Dept. of Agriculture

​ Harrisburg, PA - Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today announced a free webinar series to connect military veterans who are considering starting or expanding an agriculture business with resources, funding and planning tools they need to...

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www.media.pa.gov
A cooperative effort between
the GRCA and the Berks County Department of Agriculture
through the support of the Berks County Commissioners.
Questions?:
Contact Tami Hildebrand at thildebrand@countyofberks.com 
or 484-818-0845.