Success Stories: Future of Agriculture in York County

As a result of Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Future of Agriculture Program, the York County Farm & Natural Lands Trust endowed the York County Community Foundation with the largest grant ever given. Totaling 120,000 dollars, the money will be used in a number of projects, such as, educational training and the creation of brochures for new residents in rural communities, as well as for municipal officials concerning zoning and implications of agricultural uses.

The program has also already been influential in other ways. The York County Farms & Agriculture Coloring Book was designed and five thousand copies were distributed across the community. Pages in the book were sponsored by various agricultural organizations and farm markets. From the York County Farm Tour, to the Mid-Atlantic Flower Show, to the Outdoor Show, and the York County Agriculture Recognition Banquet; sponsoring organizations were allocated a number of copies for their own distribution.

A number of commissioners and legislatures received copies as well. Local speakers have also found the information provided by the Future of Agriculture Program useful, as it has been employed in numerous community presentations. 

In addition, the coloring book was a project that helped to educate the youngest of those interested in agriculture, as several local schools and preschools benefited from using the book. They were also a part of a packet for Day Care Providers created by a local girl scout, in lieu of a special project that she was working on.

The six specific priorities that have been identified by the program will be the primary aspects looked at when allocating future funds. From education to non farmers to local labeling opportunities to long range planning, York County will continue to benefit from the Future of Agriculture program.

For more information on the Future of Agriculture in York County, please contact Jeff Myers.
For more information on the Future of Agriculture program, please contact Kathy Brasier or Walt Whitmer.

April, 2007