Westmoreland Conservation District Hosts Next Generation Farm Summit June 19

The Westmoreland Conservation District will host a Next Generation Farm Summit on June 19 where farmers and would-be farmers can learn about all of these things and more.

Like many other industries, farming today is very different than it has been in the past – there are new products like industrial hemp, a variety of possible certifications and licenses, and opportunities in new markets, like breweries and brew pubs.

This is the second year the conservation district has organized this event.  

“Our goal is to support agriculture in Westmoreland County,” explained Greg Phillips, Westmoreland Conservation District manager/CEO.  “When you consider all the factors in place today -- the popularity of farmers’ markets, the growing desire to eat fresh/eat local, changes in the laws that allow growing such things as industrial hemp, and the variety of support programs available for farmers -- there is tremendous opportunity for a vibrant agriculture industry here in Westmoreland County, and we want to do all we can to encourage it.”

The Next Generation Farm Summit will feature both speakers and information tables.  Some of the topics that speakers will address include:

-- Using the Internet to Make Sales

-- Poultry Processing

-- Organic Farming: How to Get There

-- What You Need to Know to Operate a Small Farm

-- Direct Sales to Breweries and Brew Pubs

-- Sheep, Lamb, and Goat Production; and

-- Industrial Hemp:  History and Research in PA.

Information on agricultural support programs -- including the Troops to Tractors program for veterans, the Pennsylvania Agricultural Ombudsman Program, and countywide agricultural initiatives – as well as information on regulations, certifications, licensing, and insurance and liability for the small farmer will be offered.

Organizations and companies scheduled to be represented at the event include:  AgChoice Farm Credit, American National Insurance Company, CAMO, Food21, GreenForge Inc., Kiva Pittsburgh, National Young Farmers Coalition, Penn State Extension, PA Agricultural Ombudsman Program, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), PA Certified Organic, PA Department of Agriculture, PA Veterans Farming Project, Project Grass, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, and Republic Food Enterprise Center.

In addition to the Westmoreland Conservation District, sponsors of the farm summit are:  Appalachian Regional Commission, Food21, Republic Food Enterprise Center, and Pennsylvania Agricultural Ombudsman Program.

The Summit will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Donohoe Center and J. Roy Houston Conservation Center, both of which are located just steps apart on the Donohoe Road in Greensburg, about one mile from Westmoreland Mall.

Space for the Summit is limited and registration is required, but the event is free. A light lunch will be provided.

Registration is required no later than June 10.  To register, call 724-837-5271, option 2.

For more information on programs, initiatives, financial and technical assistance, visit the Westmoreland Conservation District website.