Out in the Field

Team Pennsylvania has been out and about this month, witnessing Pennsylvania agriculture in action, with visits to Rodale Institute’s Organic Field Day in Berks County and Pietro Industries, a third-generation mushroom farm in Chester County.

Our first visit was to Rodale Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. Their nearly 400-acre farm HQ is situated in Kutztown and hosts the longest-running side-by-side trial of organic and conventionally-grown crops. Their annual field day event showcases the various research projects, and creates an opportunity for leaders in the state to advance the conversation on sustainability and the economic value of regenerative organic farming.

Staff also visited Pietro Industries in Kennett Square to learn more about their Dutch-influenced high-tech mushroom growing operations and the ecosystem of businesses that support Pennsylvania’s world-renowned $1.1B mushroom industry. The team got to see the growth process of mushrooms and how the company uses technology to support their growers in being highly efficient and maximizing their output. Thank you, Chris Alonzo, President of Pietro for the hospitality!

Staff are making the most of this season, getting out in the field and visiting agriculture industry leaders to learn about the methods and practices that are on the cutting edge of its future.

Are you an agriculture leader thinking about Pennsylvania’s long-term economic future and interested in hosting staff for a visit to learn more about your industry and work? Reach out to agriculture@teampa.com to discuss with our team.