Securing the Future of Adams County Agriculture through Entrepreneurship and Innovation

             The Ag Innovations Summit covered all facets of the agriculture industry including many of the topics featured in this summer’s Spotlight on Agriculture series, highlighting the fundamental importance agriculture plays in everyday life. Many different local, governmental, and community leaders are contributing helpful solutions, in line with Ag Summit goals, to the rising obstacles facing agriculture. 

            Through agricultural education initiatives, beginning farmer loan and training programs, energy monitoring programs, food security task forces, agritourism opportunities, and conservation and restoration organizations, Adams County agriculture can find assurance in an uncertain future. 

            Working at Penn State Extension allowed me to witness first-hand the importance agriculture plays in everyday life and I have truly appreciated this incredible insight. Previously, I had a working knowledge of agriculture; however by working alongside some of the most knowledgeable people in the field, and by writing weekly about issues within this industry, I have come to learn a great deal more about different facets of this incredible industry.  I have come to realize that the maintenance of Adams County prosperity rests on the protection of farmland. Agriculture not only provides the food we need to survive, it provides a beautiful atmosphere in which to live, stimulates the local economy, provides numerous job opportunities, forms the basis of community, ensures food security in a region, and ensures the upkeep of health and nutrition in communities throughout the region, generally enhancing our quality of life.  One does not need to look far to see the great impact agriculture plays on modern civilization. 

            Of the many people who contributed to this great experience, I would especially like to thank Tara Baugher for being a great mentor. She helped me tremendously by sharing her vast wisdom and knowledge on all things agriculture in addition to introducing me to many local farmers, businesses, and innovations that largely contributed to many of my articles. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all of those who were willing to be interviewed for any of my articles, and for providing useful information that helped me to learn about the details of different agricultural operations, conservation efforts, and agricultural initiatives. 

            To the readers of the Spotlight on Agriculture articles, I thank you for your support. I encourage everyone to continue supporting the local farming movement by buying locally produced foods, and educating yourself on how your food gets to your plate. To learn more about how a farm operates, Penn State Extension is sponsoring a series of Adams County Ag Business tours, and the next one will take place on September 12, 2011 at McCleaf’s Orchard in Biglerville. On this tour, visitors will see a number of agricultural innovations applied to growing a diverse array of fruits and vegetables, and making farming tasks more efficient. For more information on Adams County agriculture and the upcoming Ag Innovations Tours, visit http://adams.extension.psu.edu.  For a local food guide, visit www.adamsfoodpolicy.org. For more information on the Ag Innovations initiative, contact Katie Ellis, Ag Innovations Extension Educator, at kag298@psu.edu or [717] 334-6271, 331. 

Amelia Jarvinen is an Ag Innovations Program Assistant at Penn State Extension serving Adams County. Penn State is committed to Affirmative Action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workplace. Penn State Extension in Adams County is located at 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Suite 204, Gettysburg, PA 17325, phone 717-334-6271 or 1-888-427-0261, e-mail AdamsExt@psu.edu .

 Happenings at the Market

             Why not try something new for dinner this week? Ratatouille, a traditional French provincial stewed vegetable dish is the perfect healthful meal that will leave your umami taste buds delighted! Joël Rabuchon, often cited as the ‘chef of the century’, once said, “The secret of a good Ratatouille is to cook the vegetables separately so each will taste truly of itself.” And to capitalize further on the great tastes of Ratatouille, purchase the freshest ingredients. Eggplants, tomatoes, onions, garlic, zucchini, and peppers are now in season at your local farmers market. To round out the meal with a perfect dessert, choose from an array of fresh melons, peaches, nectarines, and other fruits also now in season.

 Adams County’s Farmers markets will be hosting a Healthy Cooking Demo, concentrating on fresh food, flavor, and affordability. It will take place at the Farm Fresh Market at the Outlet Shoppes on Friday, September 2 from 9:30-11:00 am. For more information on local farmers markets, visit http://www.acfarmersmarkets.org . 

Wednesday’s Farm Fresh Market

Gettysburg Rec Park

Hours: 2:30pm-6:30pm

Friday’s Farm Fresh Market

The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg

Hours: 9:30am-5 pm

Save the date-Friday, September 2nd

Healthy Cooking Demo from 9:30-11am

Saturday’s Farm Fresh Market

The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg

Hours: 9:30am-2pm

Gettysburg Farmers' Market on Saturdays

Lincoln Square in Downtown Gettysburg
Saturdays, April 24 – September 18
Hours: 7 a.m. – Noon