Welcome to the New Berks County Local Food Map! | |
In Berks County, PA, the heart of local farming beats strong and our community’s love for fresh, homegrown produce can’t be beat. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our brand-new map directory and event calendar. These comprehensive resources are designed to connect customers with the finest ingredients and food our local farms have to offer.
Did we forget to include your Berks County farm? Have updates to an existing listing? Let us know by completing this form.
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Pennsylvania offers free farming mentorship program | Pennsylvania farmers seeking mentorship in farming can still apply for Pennsylvania's Agriculture Mentor pilot program and gain advice from five mentors with comprehensive agricultural experiences. | | | |
Pa. House panel talks challenges of cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, local waterways | From permitting reform to stream-side fencing legislation, the House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee heard from experts and advocates on Tuesday about the challenges facing efforts to clean up Pennsylvania's impaired waterways. | | | |
Family Company Meets Rising Demand for Pekin Duck | Jurgielewicz & Son Ltd. processes millions of pekin ducks annually with a lineage dating back to 1933, serving global markets and seeking expansion partners. | | | |
State's Federal Broadband Funding Boosted $117M with Penn State Extension Help | UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Pennsylvania will receive nearly $1.2 billion in federal funding to establish or improve high-speed internet service in unserved and underserved areas... | | | |
Whether you’re looking for local gift ideas, tips and recipes to use in your own home, or Berks County farm news, you can find it all on our blog and more. There’s something for everyone to read and enjoy. | | | |
Horizon Farm Credit – Grow Ahead Program | |
- Loans, grants, and education programs for Young, Beginning, Small, Minority, & Veteran Farmers
- Jump Start Grant Program launched June 1 JumpStart
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New Bill Expands Compensation to Poultry Producers | A new federal bill to aid poultry producers affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza builds on steps taken by Pennsylvania. | | | |
Did you know commercial kitchens are one of the highest energy users per square foot in the commercial sector? In addition, a new report from the American Lung Association shows that indoor gas stoves can contribute to asthma and other lung conditions. Commercial kitchens can be healthier places for Pennsylvanians and our environment. | | | |
Ag Resource Conservationist |
Berks County Conservation District (BCDD) Agriculture Resource Conservationists (ARC) assist landowners within Berks County with needs determination, design, layout and installation of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) which will help protect the soil and water resources of Berks County, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Watershed and the Schuylkill Watershed.
ARC’s develop farm conservation plans, and provide status reviews for nutrient management. The ARC is immediately supervised by the Ag Team Supervisor and is ultimately accountable to the District Executive Director, Office Manager and the BCCD Board of Directors.
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Penn State Extension is seeking a Dairy Education Educator to serve as a team member on the nationally recognized Penn State Extension Dairy team. Plan, design, implement and evaluate educational and applied research programs for dairy producers, employees, and industry representatives. Provide education and technical assistance for dairy producers in advanced dairy production practices, nutrition, feeding management, forage quality, and nutrient management. Conduct Extension education programs utilizing a variety of informal education methodologies. | | | |
Berks Ag Event Calendar on the NEW Grow Together Website
Find your next event here, from credit courses to weekend family fun! This calendar is a community effort to benefit farmers and non-farmers alike! Are you planning an agricultural event in Berks County? Complete the online form to have your event featured on the Grow Together website's event calendar.
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VIRTUAL LIVE WEBINAR Farm Sense: July 25 – Aug. 15 | ABOUT THE WEBINAR Farm Sense is a four-session workshop that teaches farmers how to understand financial statements such as the cash flow statement, the balance sheet, and the income statement.... | | | |
Starting and Improving Farms Conference: Sept. 19 - 20 | Do you want to start a farm, diversify your existing farm or begin an agritourism business? If so, this two-day conference will provide opportunities to explore new... | | | |
Limited Food Establishments: Adding Value in Your Home Kitchen (On-Demand Recording)
Setting up and operating a food business from your home kitchen used to be so simple. Today, national- and state-based changes to food safety standards can make it an overwhelming endeavor. But don’t worry - the SBDC is here to help. During this session, we will cover start-up steps, inspections, and registration, as well as ways to grow a commercial food business in your home - addressing the intricate differences based on the types of food made, how the food is sold, and where it is sold.
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Ag Grant Best Practices Webinar (On-Demand) (Ag CoE)
The Ag Center of Excellence at the PA Small Business Development Center is hosting a free, informal grant panel discussion for new and existing agricultural entities. This is your opportunity to learn about grant opportunities in the state and learn the process for grant application that you can use to build, diversify and grow your business.
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Ag Grant Best Practices Webinar (On-Demand) (Ag CoE)
The sense of accomplishment you feel when hitting the final save for your business plan may be short-lived if you see that as the end of the project - instead of the beginning. To reap the benefits of personal time, effort, and energy (or in some cases, the consultant’s fee) invested in a farm business plan, it’s important to put the goals and actions envisioned into use. This 30-minute presentation provides three strategies that, when put in place, will assist in transforming your plan into an ongoing business management tool.
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Archived Newsletter and Grow Together Blog | |
Did you know we archive all of the newsletters? | |
The Grow Together blog features seasonal topics! | |
A cooperative effort between the GRCA and the Berks County Department of Agriculture through the support of the Berks County Commissioners. | | | | |