The Chester County Agricultural Council

Chester County Agriculture is a Growth Industry

Chester County, one of the leading agricultural regions in the state, is at a crossroads. Farming, a cornerstone in the local economy, is facing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic including increasing labor shortages, lack of access to farmland for new and beginning farmers, increased development pressure and environmental fluctuations.

At the same time, the industry is well positioned to take advantage of an increased interest in local food production and agritourism, as well as a proximity to cutting-edge research institutions and population centers.

In short, it is the perfect time for the industry to convene and chart a path forward.

“Together Chester County agriculture is stronger than any one individual farm business or farmer,” says Chester County Ag Council Director Hillary Krummrich. “Our unique microclimate, world class soils and community of farm entrepreneurs put us in a unique position to not just endure the pandemic but to learn from it and build back stronger. But we know success won’t happen unless we are all working towards the same goals.”

To that end, the Chester County Ag Task Force, which includes groups like the Chester County Ag Council (the administering agency), Chester County Economic Development Council, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Penn State Extension, American Mushroom Institute, University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, and the Chester County Visitors Bureau, worked together to create the county’s first ag economic development strategic plan (ag plan).

The group selected ACDS, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in economic development, to guide the planning process. The effort was funded through a combination of county and partner support.

The Ag Plan

“The purpose of this plan is to facilitate a successful transition to the future by supporting our local communities and letting agriculture entrepreneurs do what they do best: innovate,” says Krummrich.

Although the need for the plan had already been in discussion for several years, the pandemic and resulting supply chain issues highlighted the urgency for a cohesive way forward for the industry.

“Although recent events have made all of us appreciate

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our local food system in ways we never anticipated, the idea to create this plan came several years ago from talking to ag stakeholders during the creation of the county’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3,” she recalls.

After talking with people representing a wide cross section of agriculture and its supporting industries, the ACDS team focused on six strategic areas: Agricultural Markets, Business & Financing, Education & Outreach, Labor & Workforce, Land Access, and Zoning & Land Use.

“It’s not just a list of problems to tackle, it’s a comprehensive roadmap for public and private collaboration and partnership. Farms, private businesses, industry associations, non-governmental organizations and research institutions all have significant roles to play,” she says.

Throughout the development of the plan, two key themes emerged: environmental sustainability and workforce.

Environmental Sustainability

The importance of sustainability is a strong theme throughout the recommendations. Discussions with interview subjects emphasized the need to better explain how farmers steward natural resources and that farming can be a way to heal the environment.

One of these recommendations identified in the plan, catalyzing the industrial hemp sector, is particularly near and dear to Task Force member and Hemp-Alternative CEO Cynthia Petrone-Hudock.

Petrone-Hudock and her team are partnering with Stroud Water Research to study how hemp cultivation affects soil characteristics, plant growth and nutrient content, and rainwater infiltration, particularly its positive impact on water quality. They are also working with partners like Thomas Jefferson University, Kanbar College of Design, Engineering & Commerce on sustainable product development, including a line of horticulture products.

“We are tackling an emerging industry that is a regulatory hotbed; rules and regulations continue to evolve,” says Petrone-Hudock. “The fact that Chester County recognizes the enormous amount of potential for economic growth and environmental benefit this industry can bring is important to me as a local business owner and as an investor.”

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Workforce Growth

The consultants also identified a lack of workforce as a common thread throughout all sectors of Chester County agriculture. The plan identifies several avenues to encourage youth to train for careers in the industry, as well as ways to reach jobseekers who may not have considered agriculture as an avenue to pursue.

AgConnect, a recently reinvigorated division of the Chester County Economic Development Council, will be exploring partnerships with educational organizations to help spread the word about industry careers. They will also be a key source for financing assistance and training, two important needs farmers and ag business professionals requested.

“I’m excited to work with the other service providers and partners in Chester County to open more opportunities for farmers and food producers to grow their business with increased access to financing, training and marketing opportunities to meet the needs of our Chester County farmers, processors and eaters,” says AgConnect Program Director Jodi Gauker. “Working together, we can help Chester County agriculture grow.”

What’s Next

After the Chester County Commissioners formally voted to adopt the plan in March, the Ag Task Force partners knew the real work has only just begun.

“A plan is only as good as its implementation,” says Krummrich.

Although the plan’s initial strategies are mainly focused on industry stakeholders and businesses, residents in Chester County will experience the benefit of a stronger, more resilient local agriculture industry in many ways. When farm businesses thrive, there is less competition for other kinds of land development. Successful farms can also bring increased employment opportunities, a vibrant local food community, venues for family fun, environmental improvements--and the overall sense of place enjoyed by so many in the county.

It’s safe to say Chester County agriculture has growth potential.

Learn more about the Chester County ag economic development strategic plan at www.chescofarming.org.