A New Path

Poets have written about forks in the road of life, and the various outcomes that have resulted based on an individual’s chosen path.  I found myself at a crossroad last month when I decided to take a respite from “retirement” and fulltime farming to accept a brand new position in Berks County.

I am now the official agricultural coordinator for our farming community.  With thirty days under my belt, I know that my job is not an easy one.  It is a natural fit for me, however, and I am excited about the potential and possibilities this new assignment brings with it.  I am looking forward to developing this important program.

Our county commissioner’s decision to create this position deserves a standing ovation from the farm community.  They determined that it was essential to look out for the best interests of the agricultural economy in our county to keep it the leading industry.  They understood that it wasn’t enough simply to preserve the natural resource base --- the land.  With Berks County ranking third nationally for farmland preservation, it is imperative that the people who farm the land have a viable future, as well.

As far as we can tell, this is a first for this type of job in the entire Commonwealth.  It is the result of many months of research and collaboration by a committee made up of experts in agriculture and economic development.  The American Farmland Trust helped analyze the future of farming in Berks County, and reported on their findings last year.  One of their recommendations was the creation of this agricultural coordinator position.

Borrowing from the experiences of other states, like Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, that have already launched “farmbudsmen” positions to help sustain and attract agribusinesses to their areas, a committee was formed in Berks County last year to develop the agricultural coordinator's job description and make a formal proposal to our county officials. The Commissioners approved the concept and included funding in the 2007 budget last December.  The next step of filling that position began in May with resumes being accepted and interviews conducted by the Commissioners.

After some encouragement from farmers and elected officials, I agreed to apply for the job.  I was honored when our county commissioners offered me the opportunity to take on this challenge in September.  I look forward to putting our committee’s ideas into action.  The bar for success has been set quite high, but the future of agriculture in our county is at stake.

The first assignment in the agricultural coordinator's job description is to organize and support agricultural activities that have the highest potential for increasing farm income.  To do this, I will be developing databases, tracking the rural economy, and helping to develop land use policies.  It will be my role to advise Berks County’s leaders on issues impacting the agricultural economy and community.  I will also work with local government officials on zoning and regulatory policies that affect agriculture.

It will be my responsibility to communicate this information to landowners, government officials, community leaders, the general public and the media through public meetings, press releases and speaking engagements.  I will be assisting our farm community with marketing opportunities and research, and promoting local sales to consumers and food processors.  While doing all this, I will also be keeping track of our successes and failures as I attempt to measure up to the expectations of the leaders in government and agriculture in Berks County.

It is obvious that one person cannot achieve these goals alone.  I will need the help and support of many experts in agriculture, government, and the community.  I will be networking with the Department of Agriculture at both the state and federal levels, the Extension Service, county planning commissions, farm organizations, economic development leaders, and the list goes on.

The Berks County Agricultural Coordinator is an idea that has taken root through the philosophical and financial support of our County Commissioners.  I am excited about the opportunity to help ensure the future of agriculture in Berks County.   Even though my farms and family will once again be sharing me with many people throughout the county and Commonwealth, it is a challenge I have accepted with optimism and determination.  Together we can make a difference.

In the weeks ahead, I will be sharing with you some of my experiences in growing this position toward its goals.  Lancaster Farming’s web site is the perfect site to talk about my new job as well as stories about farm life.  Folks in other counties have already told me they are watching the progress we are making in Berks County and wishing us much success so that they can model a similar program in their area.

As I write this weekly blog, I will be happy to help mark the trail so others can follow.  Whether it is through my experiences as agricultural coordinator, conservationist, former legislator or farmer, I hope my column helps guide your path to a future in farming.  If you have an idea you want to share, post a comment to my F-A-R-M blog.  I welcome your thoughts and know others will enjoy reading them, too.

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