History of the local agriculture task force will reveal its future
by Ann R. Swanson, correspondent

Reprinted from the Times Observer, January 29, 2007

In September 2004 a Task Force comprised of close to 30 community leaders representing a broad diversity of groups came together to discuss the Future of Agriculture in Warren County. As the scope of the project was set forth members of the Task Force were an integral part of each decision made.

That July, Commissioner John Eggleston met with Wes Ramsey, Phyllis Wright, and George Wilcox. He expressed concern for the economic welfare of the farming community. The task force was a direct result of this meeting.

 The program was introduced to the public during the Penn State Cooperative Extension annual meeting. Let’s Talk sessions were held in various locations throughout the county in November 2004.

In February 2005 a survey of seventy-three farmers and agri-business persons was done by forty four volunteers made up of consumers and farmers. Questions for the survey were developed from the Let’s Talk sessions and Penn State Future of Agriculture program.

The Extension Northwest Dairy Team was formed. Five Extension Farm educators combined their expertise to meet with individual farm families to improve animal health, dairy production, quality housing, profitability, and estate planning.

By summer 2005 the campaign known as “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” drove the Farmer’s Market. Local products were offered weekly through October.

 The Farm Land Preservation Board was formed.

The year 2006 was a very productive year. A presentation was made during an Eggs and Issues meeting. The Warren County Farm Bureau was represented at career days for eighth graders and at one for eleventh graders.

A web page with information for consumers, farmers, teachers, and producers was set up. To access this go to www.warrenag.org.

An Ag Awareness Day is held at the Warren Mall each year. Along with producers there were “Meet the Professionals” sessions, higher education representatives, and displays by agricultural and natural resource groups. The first Warren County Producers pamphlets were distributed.

Two in-service sessions for educators were held with personnel traveling to view a variety of operations. Time was also devoted to developing educational materials to be shared. The committee worked with the Warren County School District to offer Act 48 credits for this.

The first Farmer’s Market at the Warren County Fair became a reality. Six producers participated offering fresh vegetables, baked goods, and meats to fair campers.

An expanded Farmer’s Market for Sugar Grove became a reality.

The annual Penn State Cooperative Extension annual meeting featured local products to be sampled. The League of Women Voters hosted a speaker on “Buy Fresh, Buy Local.”

In December 2006 Ray Haines and Associates conducted sessions for Quick Books training with ten farm families participating.

Agriculture effects everyone. The health of the economy depends on the health of all facets of business. Watch for the announcement of Let’s Talk sessions in your area . Lend your support. Let the committee know your needs and wishes. They really do listen and act on the information they receive.