WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County has embarked on a transformative path to bolster its agricultural sector through a strategic partnership with the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC). This initiative marks a significant restructuring of AgConnect, the Next Generation Industry Partnership, expanding its mission to support not only local agricultural producers but also to offer educational resources to consumers throughout the region.
The cornerstone of this collaboration is the implementation of the Chester County Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan, which aims to drive growth and sustainability across the county’s agricultural landscape. AgConnect will play a pivotal role in this process, leading efforts to enhance the region’s agricultural infrastructure and economic resilience.
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe underscored the importance of this collaboration in a joint statement, highlighting AgConnect’s longstanding role in connecting farmers with essential resources and its potential to further elevate the county’s agricultural profile. “By coming together with the CCEDC and broadening the scope of AgConnect, we will bring more resources to farmers and agricultural businesses and promote the significance – and value – of farming to our residents and visitors,” they stated.
Since its inception in 1989, the Chester County Agricultural Development Council has been instrumental in promoting the local farming industry’s economic impact. With the 2022 adoption of the Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan, the county reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural excellence.
A newly established AgConnect Advisory Executive Committee will guide this initiative, comprising 11 members, including chairpersons from four specialized action teams and representatives from the agriculture industry, appointed by both the County Commissioners and the CCEDC. This committee is tasked with steering AgConnect’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with broader county objectives.
The four action teams are dedicated to key areas of agricultural development:
- AgConnect Workforce Development: Focuses on strengthening the regional agricultural workforce.
- AgConnect Finance: Provides financial support and farm loan opportunities.
- AgConnect Chester County: Implements the county’s Agricultural Economic Development Plan.
- AgConnect Promotions: Promotes the agricultural sector, coordinates the annual Farm Product Guide, and organizes the Farmer of the Year ceremony.
Greg Newell, Chair of the AgConnect Advisory Executive Committee, emphasized the strategic importance of these efforts, noting that Chester County ranks as the second-largest agricultural producer in Pennsylvania. “Through this new AgConnect, we have the unique opportunity to carry out this Plan and help our ag producers, while also bringing our agricultural products more conveniently to our residents,” Newell remarked.
Gary Smith, CEO of the CCEDC, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential, highlighting its role as a model for other counties across Pennsylvania. He stated, “We believe that the synergies between the public and the private sectors can be used as a template for other counties across Pennsylvania to support and promote agriculture.”
AgConnect will provide ongoing updates on the progress and achievements of this initiative through its website, social media channels, and a monthly newsletter, ensuring the community remains informed and engaged with the county’s agricultural advancements.
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