AgConnect
In 2024, Chester County Government and the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) joined forces to create an expanded AgConnect program that serves to ensure the agricultural industry in Chester County and the southeast Pennsylvania region remains a leading economic sector, now and in the future. AgConnect includes a newly-established AgConnect Executive Advisory Committee, designed to steer and set strategic priorities. The 11-person committee includes chairpersons from the four AgConnect action teams (see below), three agriculture industry leaders appointed by the Chester County Commissioners, three agriculture employers appointed by the CCEDC, and one staff member from the County Commissioners’ Office.
Business Plan Template
Getting a loan for your agricultural business — no matter the size or scope — means asking the lender to have faith in your ability to manage a full-fledged operation and your finances in a healthy way. The best way to prove that is by coming prepared with a farm business plan proposal.
Fruit and Vegetable Marketing for Small-Scale and Part-Time Growers
Marketing is important to all farm enterprises, regardless of size.
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences is helping produce growers, food processors, and feed manufacturers prepare for new regulatory standards required under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011.
Beginning Farmer: Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers
The beginning farmer program is a state-wide initiative to support a next generation of producers from diverse backgrounds.
Food for Profit: Business Planning
Before starting your new food business, you need a clear vision of how you want your business to operate, such as how it will be managed, marketed, and financed, and how you expect it to perform in the future.
Developing a Business Plan
An important task in starting a new venture is to develop a business plan, which is a “road map” to guide the future of a business or venture.
Business Exit Strategy
As you begin the business transition process, learn steps to take to make financial and personal decisions, including to sell or liquidate your business.
Business Transitions: Family Farm and Business Succession Planning
Learn what to consider and how to communicate about succession, retirement, and estate planning; property transfers; and avoiding unnecessary taxes and costs.
PA Preferred Organic™
PA Preferred Organic™ is a PA Farm Bill initiative to grow market opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers and keep PA a national leader in organic production.