Food System Mapping: Geospatial Insights from Ag Progress Days

At this year's Ag Progress Days, Penn State Extension unveiled a powerful new geospatial analysis tool designed to illuminate the complex and interconnected components of Pennsylvania's agricultural and food systems. The interactive tool, developed using ArcGIS technology, was demonstrated live to attendees, offering a hands-on look at how spatial data can inform decision-making across the food supply chain.

Visualizing the Food System

The geospatial tool provides a comprehensive view of where food is grown, processed, distributed, and sold throughout Pennsylvania. It integrates multiple layers of data, including:

• Crop Production: Mapping where different types of crops are cultivated across the state.
• Processing Facilities: Identifying locations where raw agricultural products are transformed into food items.
• Farm Support Businesses: Highlighting suppliers, equipment dealers, and service providers that support agricultural operations.
• Retail Outlets: Displaying farmers markets, grocery stores, and other food retailers.
• Community Demographics: Offering insights into population density, income levels, and other socioeconomic factors that influence food access and demand.

Engaging Stakeholders at Ag Progress Days

During the event, Extension specialists guided attendees through the tool's capabilities, demonstrating how it can be used to support planning, education, and policy development. Farmers explored how to locate nearby support services and market outlets, while educators and planners examined food access in rural and urban communities.

The demonstration sparked conversations about how data visualization can empower local decision-makers and foster more resilient food systems. Attendees appreciated the tool’s intuitive interface and the depth of information available at their fingertips.

Supporting Local Planning and Development

Beyond its use in agriculture, the tool has broad applications for community development. Planners can use it to assess infrastructure needs, identify underserved areas, and support economic development initiatives. Extension educators are incorporating it into workshops and training sessions to build spatial literacy and promote systems thinking.

By making complex data accessible and actionable, the tool supports Extension's mission to connect research with real-world solutions.

Looking Ahead

Penn State Extension plans to continue refining the tool, adding new data layers, and enhancing usability based on stakeholder feedback. Future updates may include more detailed or updated supply chain mapping, environmental indicators, and integration with other planning resources.

Workshops and webinars can be offered to help users explore the tool's full potential and apply it to their local contexts.

Explore the Tool

This geospatial analysis tool is now publicly available and can be accessed online. 

Whether you're a farmer, educator, planner, or policymaker, this resource offers valuable insights into Pennsylvania's food system and the communities it serves. If you have suggestions for new uses for the tool or insights into additional data layers to add, contact any of our team members below.