Initiatives
Farm Transition Planning
To help young & older growers achieve a successful family farm transition, the YGA held a special farm succession workshop at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, PA.
View Ann Dugan's presentation on Farm Transition Planning - Bringing in the
Next Generation from ACTV on Vimeo.
The Young Grower Alliance sponsored a workshop on February 1st, 2010 featuring Ann Dugan from the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Ann is an accomplished author, lecturer, and family business consultant who founded the Family Enterprise Center within the University. She has over 20 years of experience researching, developing, and writing in the area of family business.
Sharing Diversification & Marketing Ideas
YGA members are constantly sharing new ideas with one another. One of the best ways to do this is to join us on tours and trips!
Exploring Innovations
The YGA is associated with Penn State Cooperative Extension; through this partnership, members have the opportunity to learn about new specialty crop innovations—even as they are being developed! Learn more about new technology developed by Penn State and its collaborators. In previous years, young growers have even ventured to Bolzano, Italy and New Zealand to learn about different fruit production techniques.
Horticulture Student Recruitment
We strongly encourage participation from the next generation of specialty crop growers, so please join us! YGA, along with the SHAP endowment committee, sponsors a horticulture scholarship. We also coordinate youth orchard work exchange opportunities.
Leadership Development
Not only are YGA members the next generation of growers, they are the next generation of great leaders. We strive to increase member participation in industry associations and state/local government. Check out our leadership and professional development opportunities.
Helping Underserved Growers in Central America
Nicaragua Ag Extension Project - an agricultural extensionist outreach program in the rural Nicaraguan community of Talolinga, focused on providing knowledge regarding sustainable agriculture techniques that can be transferred by one extensionist to all members of the community. The hope is that this approach would also be a model for assistance to similar communities in Nicaragua, Central America and beyond.
Other Initiatives
Service
Members help at the PA Farm Show, give career day presentations, and have adopted an underserved agricultural community in Nicaragua.
