Agricultural Economic Development
With land values in the region reaching all time highs and interest in farming by a younger generation at an all time low, the family farming business has reached a critical point in Chester County. That is why the Council has begun a concerted effort to aid first time farmers through low interest loan programs as well as the development of educational and awareness programs. Funding is also available for existing farmers as the Council works to keep the business of agriculture a vital part of the Chester County economy.
 

For more information, contact Sue Milshaw, Agricultural Loan Coordinator, at 610.458.5700 x239 or smilshaw@cceconomicdevelopment.com.

Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA)

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic prosperity, environmental soundness and social propriety of Pennsylvania food and agricultural systems. We work with farmers who grow our food, consumers who eat the food, and those concerned with the ecological wellbeing of our environment and natural resources, among many other interest groups.

PASA is the only statewide, member-based, sustainable farming organization in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, and is one of the largest in the nation. The Association seeks to address the sustainability of the entire food and agriculture industry, and places great value on efforts to build bridges between various and disparate participants in the food system.

PASA creates networks and markets to strengthen the ties between concerned consumers and family farmers. PASA is building statewide channels that link farmers with farmers, farmers with consumers, and consumers with markets. As our organization has grown, we've had some real successes with a variety of educational programs - both on and off the farm, that are shaping new partnerships that enhance the lives and livelihoods of producers and consumers.

PASA is a network of people who care - we all have a role in assuring the health and longevity of our regional farms and food supply. PASA is the catalyst that brings together those dedicated to advancing sustainable food and farming systems. PASA is a dynamic new model for partnerships between traditional agricultural and our ever-changing society and has worked to forge positive and needed changes in the way food is grown, harvested, distributed, and marketed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

For more information on membership and programs, please contact:

Marilyn Anthony
PASA Southeastern Regional Director
c/o CCEDC
Eagleview Corporate Center
737 Constitution Ave
Exton, PA 19341
610-458-5700 x305
marilyn@pasafarming.org

> pasafarming.org