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# Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association

An Association of Commercial Vegetable, Potato and Berry Growers

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.pvga.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://www.pvga.org/news/)
- [Secretary Rollins Signs Disaster Declaration for Pennsylvania Counties](https://www.pvga.org/secretary-rollins-signs-disaster-declaration-for-pennsylvania-counties/) - Published:May 26, 2026 (Scott Township, Pa., May 26, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, along with U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, met with agricultural leaders today in Pennsylvania to announce U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance to help producers recover from recent freeze events. Secretary Rollins signed a disaster designation for 17 counties in
- [Twilight Meeting to be held at Maplewood Farm Market](https://www.pvga.org/twilight-meeting-to-be-held-at-maplewood-farm-market/) - Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 6:00-8:00 pm | 8565 Olde Scotland Rd | Shippensburg, PA 17257RSVP: We ask that all attendees pre-register at pvga@pvga.org or 717-973-5915 Reuben Martin is primarily a strawberry plug producer and also has a you-pick strawberry operation. He will show growers how he has been managing strawberry diseases. He has both
- [Twilight Meeting to be held at Hellerick's Adventure Farm](https://www.pvga.org/twilight-meeting-to-be-held-at-hellericks-adventure-farm/) - Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 6:00-8:00 pm | 5500 N Easton Rd | Doylestown, PA 18902RSVP: While walk-ins are welcome, pre-registration is encouraged. pvga@pvga.org or 717-973-5915 Growers AND their families are welcome to have fun and learn at Hellerick's Adventure Farm & Mini Golf on Thursday September 25, 2025, 6:00-8:00 pm. All attendees of the
- [Twilight Meeting at Harden Family Farm & Market At The Red Barn](https://www.pvga.org/twilight-meeting-at-harden-family-farm-market-at-the-red-barn/) - Monday, July 29th, 2024 | 5:00-7:00 pm 77 Wickerham Road | Fredericktown, PA 15333 Discover over 50 years of local food and homemade items at Harden Family Farm & Market! Established in 1964 by Homer & Cleona Harden, this family-run farm has evolved from a beef farm to a thriving vegetable farm and roadside stand.
- [Twilight Meeting at Lakeland Orchard & Cidery](https://www.pvga.org/twilight-meeting-at-lakeland-orchard-cidery/) - Thursday, August 8, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 pm 1649 Lakeland Drive | Scott Township, PA 18411 In 1984, John Roba purchased our sister farm, Roba Family Farms in North Abington. He planted the first Christmas trees in 1985 and opened for business in December 1990. Roba Family Farms began selling pumpkins, hoping the "side business" would
- [Twilight Meeting at Harvest Valley Farms](https://www.pvga.org/twilight-meeting-at-harvest-valley-farms/) - Thursday, September 5, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 pm 917 Deer Creek Road | Gibsonia, PA 15044 Harvest Valley Farms is a diversified vegetable farm serving customers from around Pittsburgh with a dedicated focus on soil health. The twilight will focus on peppers and tomatoes but conversations regarding other crops are sure to occur. Harvest Valley grows
- [Twilight Meeting to be held at Kaelin Farm](https://www.pvga.org/twilight-meeting-to-be-held-at-kaelin-farm/) - Wednesday August 20, 2025 | 6:00-8:00 pm | 990 Prospect Rd | Evans City, PA 16003While walk-ins are welcome, pre-registration is encourage | pvga@pvga.org Matt Kaelin will take us around the farm and talk about some of the practices he and his family are implementing to serve the Pittsburgh region. The home-built fence tensioner and
- [Directors Meet in State College](https://www.pvga.org/directors-meet-in-state-college/) - The PVGA Board of Directors held their “fall” meeting on Tuesday, December 12, at the Ramada Inn in State College. This meeting is preceded by meetings of the various PVGA committees which make recommendations to the Board for the Association’s activities for the coming year. The committee meetings were all held virtually in the weeks
- [PVGA Annual Meeting Set for January 31](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-annual-meeting-set-for-january-31/) - The Annual Meeting of the General Membership of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:30 p.m. in the Crystal Room of the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. All members are invited and encouraged to participate in the meeting. The results
- [PVGA Executive Director Named Honorary County Agent](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-executive-director-named-honorary-county-agent/) - Donald Seifrit, Jr. presents the Honorary County Agent Award to PVGA's William Troxell accompanied by his wife Cheryl Troxell The Pennsylvania Association of County Agricultural Agents presented PVGA Executive Director William Troxell with its Honorary County Agent Award at their annual banquet on November 14, 2023, at the Wyndham Garden Inn in Boalsburg. The banquet
- [PVGA Berry Committee Plans Twilight at Strite's Orchard September 21](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-berry-committee-plans-twilight-at-strites-orchard-september-21/) - The fourth PVGA twilight meeting for 2023 will be co-sponsored by the PVGA Berry Committee. It will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Strite’s Orchard, 1000 Strite’s Road, Harrisburg (Dauphin County) from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The Strite family has been farming in the Harrisburg area since 1843. The first fruit trees and
- [Directors Vote to Contract with Wanner Associates to Manage PVGA](https://www.pvga.org/directors-vote-to-contract-with-wanner-associates-to-manage-pvga/) - The PVGA Board of Directors voted unanimously at a special meeting on May 30, 2023, to contract with Wanner Associates of Harrisburg, to manage the Association and to authorize the Executive Committee to negotiate a final agreement with Wanner. A contract was finalized on July 21 with Wanner beginning their services on September 1, 2023.
- [PA Growers Vote to Continue Vegetable Marketing and Research Program](https://www.pvga.org/pa-growers-vote-to-continue-vegetable-marketing-and-research-program/) - Nearly 79% of the vegetable growers voting in the review referendum on the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program voted “Yes” to continue the Program for another five-year period. A total of 309 eligible ballots were received with 243 voting “Yes” to continue the Program and 66 voting “No”. Eight ballots were ruled to be
- [Five Receive PVGA Scholarships](https://www.pvga.org/five-receive-pvga-scholarships/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to be able to offer Rudolph Grob Memorial Scholarships each year to students pursuing higher education. For 2022 five scholarships were given as follows: J. Parker Milton - University of Delaware, $1,400 Parker is the son of Brad and Karin Milton of Churchville, Maryland. He is
- [Kevin and Morgan Bond Receive PVGA Young Grower Award](https://www.pvga.org/kevin-and-morgan-bond-receive-pvga-young-grower-award/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to award its 2023 Young Grower Award to Kevin and Morgan Bond. The Young Grower Award is given to recognize PVGA members who are 35 years old or younger, who have been successfully growing vegetables, potatoes or small fruit and who have contributed to advancing or promoting the
- [2023 Mid-Atlantic Convention Attendance Up](https://www.pvga.org/2023-mid-atlantic-convention-attendance-up/) - Attendance at the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, by preliminary counts, exceeded the attendance at the 2022 Convention. Total attendance is estimated at about 2,250. The 2022 attendance was only about 75% of the pre-pandemic 2020 attendance and the 2023 attendance will be less than the records set in 2018 and 2017. Of 2,250
- [Beth Gugino Receives 2023 PVGA Annual Award](https://www.pvga.org/beth-gugino-receives-2023-pvga-annual-award/) - Each year, the Association recognizes an individual who had demonstrated a noteworthy record of service and dedication to either the state’s vegetable, potato or berry growers and/or the Association over their career. It is the Association’s highest honor. The year’s award winner, Beth Gugino, Penn State Extension Vegetable Pathologist and Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies,
- [PVGA and SHAP Recognize Secretary Redding](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-and-shap-recognize-secretary-redding/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association and the State Horticulture Association of Pennsylvania together recognized a special friend of Pennsylvania’s fruit and vegetable growers – Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding – on January 31, 2023, at the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Banquet at the Mid-Atlantic
- [Six PVGA Directors Elected, Officers Re-Elected](https://www.pvga.org/six-pvga-directors-elected-officers-re-elected/) - At the PVGA Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Past President Brian Campbell announced that Christopher Harner, Rita Resick, John Shenk, Jeffrey Stoltzfus, and Joel Weaver had been re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors by the members of the Association in the mail-in balloting. After the Annual Meeting, the Board elected
- [PVGA Annual Meeting Set for February 1 at Hershey](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-annual-meeting/) - The Annual Meeting of the General Membership of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 11:30 p.m. in the Crystal Room of the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. All members are invited and encouraged to participate in the meeting. The results
- [2023 PVGA Farm Show Booth Sales Were Up 76% Over Last Years](https://www.pvga.org/2023-pvga-farm-show-booth-sales-were-up-76-over-last-years/) - The 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show is now history and one for the records. While we have not heard crowd estimate numbers yet, there were lots of people there and they were hungry for Farm Show food. PVGA food booth sales were over $300,000 for the first time exceeding the previous sales record set in 2020
- [PVGA Directors Meet in State College](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-directors-meet-in-state-college-2/) - The PVGA Board of Directors held their “fall” meeting on Tuesday, December 6, at Toftrees Resort in State College. This meeting is preceded by meetings of the various PVGA committees which make recommendations to the Board for the Association’s activities for the coming year. For several years these committee meetings were held in-person the day
- [Three PVGA Nominees Receive 40 Under 40 Awards](https://www.pvga.org/three-pvga-nominees-receive-40-under-40-awards/) - The Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Awards honor 40 outstanding individuals making their marks in the industry. Three persons nominated by PVGA were selected for this year's class of honorees - Jennifer Glenister, owner of New Morning Farm; Kaitlyn Horst, co-owner of Re-Devined and Marcus Nolt, president of Nolt's Produce Supplies. These 40 young
- [Nominations for PVGA Directors Now Open](https://www.pvga.org/nominations-for-pvga-directors-now-open/) - The terms of six members of the PVGA Board of Directors expire at the Annual Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2023. The Directors whose terms expire are: - Rita Resick – Somerset – first elected 2017 - Christopher Harner – State College – first elected 2014 - Christopher Powell – Strasburg – first elected
- [PVGA Young Grower Nominations Needed](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-young-grower-nominations-needed/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is now accepting nominations for the 2023 PVGA Young Grower Award. The award recognizes outstanding PVGA members who are growers 35 and under. The recognition was established six years ago. Brandon Christner was the first recipient at the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Convention and Peter Salerno III was the recipient at the
- [Produce Industry Advocates Issues to Congress](https://www.pvga.org/produce-industry-advocates-issues-to-congress/) - Over 400 representatives of the produce industry from across the country and beyond visited with members of Congress during the last week of September. The visits were part of the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA –formerly the United Fresh Produce Association) annual Washington Conference designed to both update industry representatives on the current issues and
- [David Miller Receives 2022 PVGA Annual Award and Life Membership](https://www.pvga.org/david-miller-receives-2022-pvga-annual-award-and-life-membership/) - Dave Miller (center) with his children and grandchildren and PVGA President Brian Campbell (left) and PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding (right). Each year, the Association recognizes an individual who had demonstrated a noteworthy record of service and dedication to either the state’s vegetable, potato or berry growers and/or the Association over their career. It
- [Three Awarded PVGA Scholarships](https://www.pvga.org/three-awarded-pvga-scholarships/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to be able to offer Rudolph Grob Memorial Scholarships each year to students pursuing higher education. For 2021 three scholarships were given as follows: Clayton Harner - Penn State University, $1,300 Clayton is the son of Chris Harner and Tarrah Geszvain of State College. He is a
- [PVGA Directors Visit Legislators, Hold Spring Meeting](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-directors-visit-legislators-hold-spring-meeting/) - The PVGA Board of Directors held their spring meeting in the state Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday, March 21. Prior to the meeting, members of the Board meet with Chris Ramsey in the office Sen. Lisa Baker to discuss the Association's concerns with stormwater fees that some municipalities are imposing on farmers. Sen. Baker has
- [Jennifer Glenister Receives 2022 PVGA Young Grower Award](https://www.pvga.org/jennifer-glenister-receives-pvga-young-grower-award/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to award its 2022 Young Grower Award to Jennifer Glenister. The Young Grower Award is given to recognize PVGA members who are 35 years old or younger, who have been successfully growing vegetables, potatoes or small fruit for less than five years and who have contributed to advancing
- [Wyatt Schriver Receives 2021 PVGA Young Grower Award](https://www.pvga.org/wyatt-schriver-receives-pvga-young-grower-award/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to award its 2021 Young Grower Award to Wyatt Schriver. The Young Grower Award is given to recognize PVGA members who are 35 years old or younger, who have been successfully growing vegetables, potatoes or berries for less than five years and who have contributed to advancing or promoting
- [PVGA Prepares for Transition and Retirement of Executive Director](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-prepares-for-transition-and-retirement-of-executive-director/) - With great appreciation for his leadership and vision, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) officially announces the planned retirement of its Executive Director, William Troxell. While Mr. Troxell's impending retirement has been publicly known for some time, no official announcement and job posting have been published previously. Mr. Troxell’s plan to retire at the end
- [2022 Mid-Atlantic In-Person Convention Quite Successful](https://www.pvga.org/2022-mid-atlantic-in-person-convention-quite-successful/) - Dr. David Kohl from Virginia Tech makes a point during this Keynote presentation. After last year's virtual Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, both growers and exhibitors as well as the convention organizers were eagerly looking forward to this year's return to an in-person format. While the Pennsylvania Farm Show reported an attendance drop of 40
- [John Esslinger Receives PVGA Life Membership](https://www.pvga.org/john-esslinger-receives-pvga-life-membership/) - John Esslinger (center) with PVGA President Brian Campbell (to his right) with his wife Eve (right) and son Daniel and daughter Mary (left) The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association periodically likes to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding record of service and dedication to either the vegetable, potato and/or berry growers of Pennsylvania or the
- [Resick Elected PVGA President](https://www.pvga.org/resick-elected-pvga-president/) - PVGA Board of Directors (front row left to right) Second Vice President Tina Forry, First Vice President Peter Flynn, President Rita Resick, Secretary-Treasurer Bill Reynolds, Past President Brian Campbell, Executive Director Bill Troxell, (second row) Art King, Amy Metrick, Rob Shenot, Jeff Stoltzfus, Joel Weaver, Boots Hetherington, (back row) Mark Troyer, Jon Strite, Alan Kemmerer,
- [PVGA Directors Meet in State College](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-directors-meet-in-state-college/) - The PVGA Board of Directors held their “fall” meeting on Tuesday, December 7, at Toftrees Resort in State College. This meeting is preceded by meetings of the various PVGA committees which make recommendations to the Board for the Association’s activities for the coming year. For several years these committee meetings were held in-person the day
- [2022 PVGA Annual Meeting Set](https://www.pvga.org/2022-pvga-annual-meeting-set/) - The Annual Meeting of the General Membership of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 11:30 p.m. in the Crystal Room of the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. All members are invited and encouraged to participate in the meeting. The results
- [PVGA Loses Life Member Jack Grace](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-loses-life-member-jack-grace/) - Jonathan "Jack" Grace, a PVGA Life Member, passed away on May 17 at the age of 82 after a five-year battle with cancer. A native and life-long resident of Grove City, he and his family operated Graceland Farm Market in Grove City offering fresh fruits and vegetables as well as greenhouse ornamentals. The Market also
- [PVGA Board Meets,  Approves $16,000 for Research High Tunnel](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-board-meets-approves-16000-for-research-high-tunnel/) - The PVGA Board of Directors held their summer meeting virtually on July 20th and approved a special grant for $16,000 for a second moveable research high tunnel at Penn State. The summer meeting has been held by telephone conference call or more recently by Zoom for many years simply because the directors are not able
- [PVGA Update March 13, 2021](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-update-march-13-2021/) - See this week's PVGA Update here.
- [Three Receive PVGA Scholarships](https://www.pvga.org/three-receive-pvga-scholarships/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to able to offer two Rudolph Grob Memorial Scholarships each year students pursuing higher education. This year three scholarships were given as follows: Clayton Harner, Penn State University, $1,500 Clayton is the son of Chris Harner and Tarrah Geszvain of State College. He is a freshman at Penn
- [Kathy Demchak Given PVGA Life Membership](https://www.pvga.org/kathy-demchak-given-pvga-life-membership/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to present a Life Membership to Kathleen Demchak. Life Membership is an honor given by the Board of Directors to persons who have a longstanding record of service and dedication to the Association. In 2013, Kathy received the PVGA Annual Award for her service to Pennsylvania growers. She
- [PVGA Annual Award Given to Steven Bogash](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-annual-award-given-to-steven-bogash/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to give its 2021 Annual Award and a Life Membership to Steven Bogash. The Annual Award recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding level of service and dedication to the Association and/or the vegetable, potato or berry growers of Pennsylvania. Steve easily meets those qualifications. Steve received
- [2021 PVGA Annual Meeting is Set February 17 at 1:00 p.m.](https://www.pvga.org/2021-pvga-annual-meeting-is-set-february-17-at-100-p-m/) - The Annual Meeting of the General Membership of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. All members are invited and encouraged to participate in the meeting. While the Annual Meeting is usually held during the Mid-Atlantic Convention, due to the virtual nature of the Convention
- [Campbell Elected New PVGA President](https://www.pvga.org/campbell-elected-new-pvga-president/) - Brian Campbell (left) incoming PVGA President, presents outgoing President Jonathan Strite with a plaque of appreciation. Brian Campbell was elected as the new President of the Association after the Association's Annual Meeting at the 2020 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention on January 29 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey. He succeeds Jonathan Strite who will
- [Shelby Fleischer Receives 2020 Annual Award](https://www.pvga.org/shelby-fleischer-receives-2020-annual-award/) - (left to right) Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, PVGA President Jonathan Strite, Dr. Shelby Fleischer, and Penn State Director of Extension Dr. Brent Hales. Each year the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association gives its Annual Award to an individual who has a long-standing record of service and dedication to the vegetable, potato and/or berry industry or
- [PVGA Annual Meeting is Jan. 29](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-annual-meeting-is-jan-29/) - The Annual Meeting of the General Membership of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will be held on Wednesday, January 29, at 11:30 a.m. in the Crystal Room of the Hershey Lodge in Hershey. All members are asked to attend the meeting. Traditionally, the Annual Meeting had included the election of members of the Board of
- [Special Membership Meeting Set for July 30](https://www.pvga.org/special-membership-meeting-set-for-july-30/) - The Board of Directors has authorized a special meeting of the general membership of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association to be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, by telephone conference call at 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to consider Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation for the Association. To participate in the
- [PVGA Members Elect Directors, Re-Adopt Bylaws and Adopt Policies](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-members-elect-directors-re-adopt-bylaws-and-adopt-policies/) - The PVGA Board of Directors (left to right - front row) Rita Resick (2nd Vice President), Tina Forry, Amy Metrick, Brian Campbell (1st Vice Presdient), and Jeff Stoltzfus. (back row) Rob Amsterdam, Bill Reynolds (Secretary-Treasurer), Peter Flynn, Art King, Jon Strite (President), Chris Harner, Ken Martin, Boots Hetherington, and Mike Orzolek. Not pictured: Dave Miller
- [Five PVGA Scholarships Available in 2019](https://www.pvga.org/five-pvga-scholarships-available-in-2019/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to able to offer two Rudolph Grob Memorial Scholarships each year to a child or grandchild of a PVGA member who is pursuing higher education with the goal of working in production agriculture. For 2019, five scholarships will be available since only one scholarship was awarded in 2017
- [PVGA Grower Needed for Advisory Board](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-grower-needed-for-advisory-board/) - Dr. Francesco Di Gioia, the new vegetable extension specialist at Penn State, is looking for a PVGA member/farmer interested in serving on the Stakeholder Advisory Board for a proposed project entitled The Healthy Farms Intervention for Healthy People: Strengthening small farm viability to improve health among farmers, low-income and underserved populations. Dr. Di Gioia is working
- [PVGA Urges Growers to Vote "Yes"](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-urges-growers-to-vote-yes/) - The Association has sent the following letter to vegetable growers across the state urging them to vote "Yes" in the upcoming five-year review referendum for the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program: Every five years the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program must go through a review process and needs to be re-approved by the
- [Ken Martin Receives 2018 Annual Award](https://www.pvga.org/ken-martin-receives-2018-annual-award/) - Kenneth Martin of Furmano Foods received the 2018 PVGA Annual Award at the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Banquet at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Hershey on January 30. PVGA Annual Award is given each year to someone who has built an outstanding record of service and dedication to the Association and/or the vegetable,
- [Central Susquehanna Summer Vegetable Meeting is July 18](https://www.pvga.org/central-susquehanna-summer-vegetable-meeting-is-july-18/) - This twilight meeting will be held at the Carl Wenger Farm at 1148 Old Trail Road in Liverpool from 6:00 to 8:30 in the evening on July 18. (From Selinsgrove take Route 11 south to Port Trevorton. Continue south on Rt. 11 to Old Trail Rd. at Weaver's Farm Market is on the corner of
- [At-Market Twilight Meeting at Two Gander Farm is July 19](https://www.pvga.org/at-market-twilight-meeting-at-two-gander-farm-july-19/) - This twilight meeting will be held at the Two Gander Farm at 110 Buck Road in Downingtown from 6:30 to 8:30 in the evening on Wednesday, July 19. Established in 2009, Two Gander Farm is a first-generation vegetable & CSA farm owned by Trey and Deirdre Flemming. Nestled on 10 acres, within 260 acres of
- [At-Market Twilight Meeting at Buzas Greenhouses on August 2](https://www.pvga.org/at-market-twilight-meeting-at-buzas-greenhouses-on-august-2/) - This twilight meeting will be held at Buzas’ Greenhouses and Farm at 3927 Newburg Road in Easton from 6:30 to 8:30 in the evening on August 2. The farm is easily accessible from Routes 33, 22 and 78. Buzas’ Greenhouses and Farm is a third and fourth generation family-owned operation run by the Hoyer family.
- [2017 Berks-Schuylkill Summer Vegetable Meeting is July 26](https://www.pvga.org/2017-berks-schuylkill-summer-vegetable-meeting-is-july-26/) - This annual family event will be held at the Kutztown Produce Auction at 209 Oakhaven Road in Fleetwood from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening on July 26. A delicious supper featuring local produce will be included. Educational discussions on pest management, variety selection, and pesticide safety qualifying for pesticide applicator license update training credits
- [Important Notice to Employers Hiring New Employees](https://www.pvga.org/important-notice-to-employers-hiring-new-employees/) - United States Citizenship Immigration Service issued the following notice today, July 17, 2017: USCIS released a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, on July 17. Instructions for how to download Form I-9 are available on the Form I-9 page. Employers can use this revised version or continue using Form I-9 with a revision
- [Vegetable Field Day at Landisville is July 25](https://www.pvga.org/vegetable-field-day-at-landisville-is-july-25/) - The 2017 Pennsylvania Vegetable Field Day will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Penn State’s Southeast Research and Extension Center in Manheim (Landisville) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The field day enables growers to observe firsthand the various vegetable research projects underway at the research farm – much of it sponsored in
- [Vegetable and Fruit Field Day at Rock Spring is July 12](https://www.pvga.org/vegetable-and-fruit-field-day-at-rock-spring-is-july-12/) - A Field Day for fruit and vegetable growers will be held on July 12, 2017 at Penn State's Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, Pennsylvania. Growers will have the opportunity to see what’s happening with the numerous vegetable and fruit research trials being conducted at the Center. This event is being sponsored
- [Current Vegetable and Small Fruit Issues - June 13](https://www.pvga.org/current-vegetable-and-small-fruit-issues-june-13/) - Penn State Extension Specialists and Educators from across the state discussed the following issues currently being seen on farms in Pennsylvania during their recent bi-weekly conference call: General conditions: Less rain, more heat, crops are finally moving along. We saw some beautiful product (leafy greens, green onions) coming out of high tunnels this spring. Some
- [Current Vegetable and Berry Issues](https://www.pvga.org/current-vegetable-and-berry-issues/) - Growers and others should be aware of several important issues that were discussed by the Penn State Extension vegetable, berry and mushroom team during this week’s conference call. Allium leafminer damage to onions and garlic. This was the most common issue by far and is being seen in central and south-central PA in addition to
- [Allium Leafminer Spring Update:  May 30, 2017](https://www.pvga.org/allium-leafminer-spring-update-may-30-2017/) - The allium leafminer adult spring flight is done for the season! However, the larva and pupa are the now the main concern. See more here.
- [Researchers Test Self-Destructing Moth Pest](https://www.pvga.org/researchers-test-self-destructing-moth-pest/) - Researchers in a New York cabbage patch are planning the first release on American soil of insects genetically engineered to die before they can reproduce. It’s a pesticide-free attempt to control invasive diamondback moths, a voracious consumer of cabbage, broccoli and other cruciferous crops that’s notorious for its ability to shrug off every new poison
- [New Technology Helps Control Nematodes](https://www.pvga.org/new-technology-helps-control-nematodes/) - Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are applying drug-delivery technology to agriculture to control parasitic roundworms more effectively and safely. The tiny roundworms, or nematodes, cause $157 billion in crop failures worldwide each year, other researchers estimate, largely because they’re beyond the reach of pesticides. The chemicals disperse poorly into soil, while the parasites feed
- [Solving the Nitrogen Fixation Mystery](https://www.pvga.org/solving-the-nitrogen-fixation-mystery/) - Inspired by a natural process found in certain bacteria, a team of Caltech researchers is inching closer to a new method for producing fertilizer that could some day hold benefits for farmers — particularly in the developing world — while also shedding light on a biological mystery. Fertilizers are chemical sources of nutrients that are
- [PVGA History Documented on Website](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-history-documented-on-website/) - We have been working at including some historical information about PVGA and the people involved in the Association in the past. You can now read about the past Presidents and Secretary-Treasurers of the Association here. You can also read about those members who have been honored with a life membership in the Association here. For
- [Vegetable Marketing Information Added to PA Veggies Website](https://www.pvga.org/vegetable-marketing-information-added-to-pa-veggies-website/) - If you are a new grower selling your produce wholesale, you might want to review some of the marketing tips newly posted on the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program's website - www.paveggies.org. The information, previously published in the form of brochures, includes general wholesale marketing advice as well packing guidelines for various crops and
- [Proposed Budget Cuts Crop Insurance Funding](https://www.pvga.org/proposed-budget-cuts-crop-insurance-funding/) - The White House today released details of its FY2018 proposed budget, which included steep cuts to crop insurance and other farm policies. The American Association of Crop Insurers, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, Crop Insurance Professionals Association, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, and National Crop Insurance
- [Perdue Addresses Reduced USDA Budget](https://www.pvga.org/perdue-addresses-reduced-usda-budget/) - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement on the proposed FY 2018 budget: “President Trump promised he would realign government spending, attempt to eliminate duplication or redundancy, and see that all government agencies are efficiently delivering services to the taxpayers of America. And that’s exactly what we are going to do at the
- [Bee Losses Down But Still Too High](https://www.pvga.org/bee-losses-down-but-still-too-high/) - Beekeepers across the United States lost 33 percent of their honey bee colonies during the year spanning April 2016 to April 2017, according to the latest preliminary results of an annual nationwide survey. Rates of both winter loss and summer loss–and consequently, total annual losses–improved compared with last year. - See more here.
- [Plasticulture for Sweet Potatoes](https://www.pvga.org/plasticulture-for-sweet-potatoes/) - Sweet potatoes are planted from the end of May through the middle of June in our region. Commonly production is on ridges in conventionally tilled soil. I was recently asked about the potential to plant sweet potatoes using plasticulture (plastic mulch and drip irrigation). While not common in our region because of the cost, this
- [Managing Orange Rust in a Bramble Planting](https://www.pvga.org/managing-orange-rust-in-a-bramble-planting/) - Question: I’m attempting to manage orange rust in a bramble planting. I know what the early spindly growth looks like in the spring, and I am familiar with the orange cheese puff-looking stage. But what happens between these 2 stages and what symptoms should I be looking for? Chris Claridge, Albany, NY. See answer here.
- [Penn State Researchers Hope to Extend Berry Growing Season in the Northeast](https://www.pvga.org/penn-state-researchers-hope-to-extend-berry-growing-season-in-the-northeast/) - June marks the start of what many here in the Northeast believe is the sweetest part of summer — berry season. It's a time ripe with strawberry festivals, pick-your-own-berries and local farmers' markets. For berry lovers and local farmers, the season is much too short — usually about one month of strawberry harvest and another
- [Are You Using a sUAS as a Tool?](https://www.pvga.org/are-you-using-a-suas-as-a-tool/) - Are You Using a sUAS as a Tool? Posted: May 16, 2017 You probably have heard of (or observed) the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) throughout the country; whether it be for fun, a hobby, for capturing great aerial pictures, or commercial use. In most cases, the media and general public refer to
- [Specialty Crop Tour for Young Growers is June 14](https://www.pvga.org/specialty-crop-tour-for-young-growers-is-june-7/) - This tour will be held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs which hosts research projects for agronomic and horticultural crops on June 14, 2017 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. No fee for the event but please sign up by June 7th! Tour Schedule 10:00 am - Meet at Plant
- [Pest Scouting with Your Smartphone](https://www.pvga.org/pest-scouting-with-your-smartphone/) - Have you noticed lately that many interstate rest stops are now called text stops? While the ever growing ubiquity of the smartphone has come with some issues, there are many opportunities to use this technology to make our lives a little easier, even on the farm. Pest scouting is an important part of any farm
- [New Spinach Genome Makes Popeye Proud](https://www.pvga.org/new-spinach-genome-makes-popeye-proud/) - While you may not gulp spinach by the can-fuls, if you love spanakopita or your go-to appetizer is spinach artichoke dip, then you’ll be excited to know that new research out of Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) will make it even easier to improve this nutritious and delicious, leafy green. Today in Nature Communications, researchers from
- [Grower Conference Calls Scheduled for 2017](https://www.pvga.org/grower-conference-calls-scheduled-for-2017/) - For the past two years PVGA and the Vegetable Marketing and Research Program have been conducting monthly grower conference calls during the season to allow growers to talk about problems they are experiencing during the season – and hear recommendations from Penn State experts for solving them. This year it has been suggested that the
- [Garlic Virus Problems Found Early This Year](https://www.pvga.org/garlic-virus-problems-found-early-this-year/) - Last year I had an article sometime in July about what I called “garlic viruses” which I had not seen in our area before, but I know must have been around before this. This year some garlic growers are noticing this virus complex already in their fields and I am not sure if that is
- [Poor Stands or Stand Losses Issues](https://www.pvga.org/poor-stands-or-stand-losses-issues/) - As spring planting season continues at a rapid pace, there are more reports of poor stands or stand losses in vegetable crops. The culprits are often soil insects or diseases; however, lower quality seed or plants can also be a source of the problem. You will most commonly see problems with lower quality plants or
- [Penn State Vegetable - Small Fruit Current Issues May 16](https://www.pvga.org/penn-state-vegetable-small-fruit-current-issues-may-16/) - Here’s an update on some of the topics discussed by the Penn State Extension Vegetable, Small Fruit and Mushroom team during our May 16 conference call. Allium leafminer presence. Overwintered adults are nearing the end of their spring flight, with symptoms of damage from ALM expected to become more evident on susceptible crops (onion, garlic,
- [Allium Leafminer Spring Update:  May 15, 2017](https://www.pvga.org/allium-leafminer-spring-update-may-15-2017/) - Does Allium Leafminer dislike rainy days too? Or is the population truly declining? The allium leafminer adult population is potentially starting to decline as of the second week of May. We are unsure if this is due to the cooler rainy weather or a true population decline. We suggest leaving row covers on for a
- [Unlocking Yield Potential of Tomatoes](https://www.pvga.org/unlocking-yield-potential-of-tomatoes/) - Breeding in plants and animals typically involves straightforward addition. As beneficial new traits are discovered — like resistance to drought or larger fruits — they are added to existing prized varieties, delivered via cross-breeding. But every once in a while, adding a beneficial new trait can result in a net subtraction, due to processes deeply
- [Detecting Optimum Ripeness in Tomatoes](https://www.pvga.org/1539-2/) - The portable Raman spectrometer, a device used in very different fields such as metallurgy, archaeology and art, allows data to be obtained on the variation in the composition of the tomato fruit during its various ripening phases, according to the results of a study conducted in the UPV/EHU’s Department of Analytical Chemistry. The portable Raman
- [Orchard Offers Vegetable Breeding Course](https://www.pvga.org/orchard-offers-vegetable-breeding-course/) - An intensive, two-day vegetable breeding workshop will take place on June 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at North Star Orchard. The workshop, geared toward the more experienced gardener, will be led by NSO Garden Manager Kevin Booth and NSO Greenhouse Manager Lena Dati. During the course, attendees will learn the importance of
- [Time to Advocate for Agriculture in the State Budget](https://www.pvga.org/time-to-advocate-for-agriculture-in-the-state-budget/) - Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is hard at work ensuring that agriculture priorities are considered as state leaders finalize the 2017-18 budget. But we need help from members too. Lawmakers respond most to their constituents so it's important that members contact their state representatives and senators to discuss priorities for farms. Farm Bureau is concerned about proposed
- [Farm Bureau Takes Policy Development to Facebook](https://www.pvga.org/farm-bureau-takes-policy-development-to-facebook/) - Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's policy development process is starting now, with grassroots members beginning to think about what proposals they want to bring before their county Farm Bureaus with the hope of shaping state, or even national, Farm Bureau policy. And PFB is offering a new tool this year to get those brainstorming gears turning and
- [Apply Now for Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge](https://www.pvga.org/apply-now-for-rural-entrepreneurship-challenge/) - Rural entrepreneurs can compete for startup funds in Farm Bureau's Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. Farm Bureau members age 18 or older may apply with ideas related to for-profit businesses involving food and/or agriculture. Food ideas must incorporate at least one local agriculture product. Judges will review the applications this summer and then announce four finalists to
- [Farmers Needed for Reality Show](https://www.pvga.org/farmers-needed-for-reality-show/) - Producers of a new, agriculture-based reality television show that's planned to air on a major cable network are looking for farm families to be the stars. According to BoBCat Studios, "American Farmer is the sweeping new series that puts viewers on the front lines of the battle farmers wage to produce the food that sustains
- [FSMA/Risk Management Seminar June 1 in Tamaqua](https://www.pvga.org/fsmarisk-management-seminar-june-1-in-tamaqua/) - The Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations (PSCFO) in cooperation with the PA Department of Agriculture will be holding a community service seminar on June 1 to inform farmers/agriculture producers about their compliance requirements under the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) as well as tools for risk management. Held in Tamaqua, It will cover
- [Seed Vigor in Sweet Corn Revisited](https://www.pvga.org/seed-vigor-in-sweet-corn-revisited/) - Uneven or poor stands may be caused by reduced seed vigor in a specific lot of sweet corn seed. This results in reduced yields in fresh market sweet corn and may cause losses in processing corn if differences in growth are significant. See more here.
- [Dickeya dianthcola Update](https://www.pvga.org/dickeya-dianthcola-update/) - Several plants with suspected Dickeya dianthicola symptoms have been reported in the mid-Atlantic region in spring 2017 and sent for diagnosis. The results of the tests are still pending. Growers should be vigilant in scouting their fields. If you see any suspect symptoms of blackleg, or your potatoes had poor emergence, or you believe that
- [Seeding and Transplanting Vegetables](https://www.pvga.org/seeding-and-transplanting-vegetables/) - Stand establishment means getting the crop off to a quick, healthy, and uniform start in the field. It also means using a planting arrangement that provides adequate room for plants to grow and develop, and one that makes it easy to manage the crop throughout the season. Weed control, pest control, fertilizer applications, irrigation, timing
- [Capitol Hunger Garden Planted](https://www.pvga.org/capitol-hunger-garden-planted/) - On May 10 Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Representative Jake Wheatley (D-19) (shown in picture at the right planting the first tomatoes) were joined by members of the Legislative Hunger Caucus and numerous hunger awareness advocates, who came together for a public event to mark the eighth season opening of the Capitol Hunger
- ["Waters of the US" to be Redefined](https://www.pvga.org/waters-of-the-us-to-be-redefined/) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army sent a letter to governors today soliciting input from states on a new definition of protected waters that is in-line with a Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion in the 2006 Rapanos v. United States case. Scalia’s definition explains that federal oversight should extend to “relatively permanent”
- [Drivers of Insecticide Use](https://www.pvga.org/drivers-of-insecticide-use/) - Over the past half century, food production has intensified to meet the growing demand. And as agricultural fields have become ever larger, more pesticides are required to enhance yield. Among increasingly huge spreads of single crops, insects tend to thrive as the landscape leaves little habitat for natural enemies such as birds or other predators.
- [Perdue Indicates Trump May Allow Undocumented Farm Workers to Stay](https://www.pvga.org/perdue-indicates-trump-may-allow-undocumented-farm-workers-to-stay/) - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Friday said President Trump may be open to creating a way for some undocumented immigrant workers to stay in the U.S. and Perdue is already working on a “blueprint” of policy guidelines to offer the president. Refusing to call it a pathway to citizenship, Perdue says he would like
- [Tillage Practices Damages Earthworms](https://www.pvga.org/tillage-practices-damages-earthworms/) - The digging, stirring and overturning of soil by conventional ploughing in tillage farming is severely damaging earthworm populations around the world, say scientists. The findings published in the scientific journal Global Change Biology show a systematic decline in earthworm populations in soils that are ploughed every year. The deeper the soil is disturbed the more
- [Allium Leafminer Spring Update: May 1](https://www.pvga.org/allium-leafminer-spring-update-may-1/) - Protect every chive, onion and garlic! The allium leafminer is here! The allium leafminer is here and beginning to reach peak populations as of last week, April 25th to April 30th. See more here.
- [2016 Vegetable Research Reports Available](https://www.pvga.org/2016-vegetable-research-reports-available/) - Reports from nine vegetable research projects funded jointing by PVGA and the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program (PVMRP) in 2016 are now available on the PVMRP website here.
- [Agriculture is Good for Honey Bees](https://www.pvga.org/agriculture-is-good-for-honey-bees/) - While recent media reports have condemned a commonly used agricultural pesticide as detrimental to honey bee health, scientists with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have found that the overall health of honey bee hives actually improves in the presence of agricultural production. - See more here.
- [California Strawberry Legal Battle](https://www.pvga.org/california-strawberry-legal-battle/) - A coalition of independent strawberry growers is petitioning state leaders to resolve a messy legal dispute between two respected agricultural researchers and the University of California, Davis. A group of 60 independent growers – representing one-third of the planted acreage of California’s strawberry industry – have sent letters to UC Davis, the UC Board
- [Sitting Down with Sonny Perdue](https://www.pvga.org/sitting-down-with-sonny-perdue/) - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who last week helped persuade President Donald Trump not to abandon the North American Free Trade Agreement, said Wednesday that the administration would renegotiate the pact with Canada and Mexico with a focus on what has worked and what hasn’t. Trump appeared to be on the brink of pulling out of
- [PVGA is Reaching Out to Young Growers](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-is-reaching-out-to-young-growers/) - PVGA is trying to identify and encourage young growers in the vegetable, potato and berry industries in several ways. PVGA Scholarships First, PVGA offers two $1,000 college scholarships each year to a child or grandchild of a PVGA member who is pursuing higher education with the goal of working in production agriculture. These scholarships come
- [Farmers Push Back on Immigration](https://www.pvga.org/farmers-push-back-on-immigration/) - The head of Bethel Heights Vineyard looked out over the 100 acres of vines her crew of 20 Mexicans had just finished pruning, worried about what will happen if the Trump administration presses ahead with its crackdown on immigrants. - See more here.
- [Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Aid US Nutrition](https://www.pvga.org/frozen-fruits-and-vegetables-aid-us-nutrition/) - New research presented today via poster presentation at the 2017 Experimental Biology meeting shows consumers who eat frozen fruits and vegetables eat more fruits and vegetables overall. In fact, consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables also have significantly greater intakes of key nutrients, such as potassium, fiber and calcium. - See more here.
- [President Holds Farmer's Roundtable](https://www.pvga.org/president-holds-farmers-roundtable/) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today joined President Trump for a “Farmers Roundtable” at the White House to address issues facing the American agriculture community, as the president signed an Executive Order establishing an Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. The roundtable discussion allowed representatives from all corners of American agriculture to
- [USDA Declares Drought Disaster in 14 Counties](https://www.pvga.org/usda-declares-drought-disaster-in-14-counties/) - The USDA has designated 14 counties in Pennsylvania, including several in western Pennsylvania, as natural disaster areas with assistance to farmers in Ohio and West Virginia. Hollis Baker, Farm Service Agency’s acting state executive director in Pennsylvania, requested the designation due to losses caused by a drought that occurred from May 1, 2016, through Dec.
- [Organic Farms Keep Growing](https://www.pvga.org/organic-farms-keep-growing/) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new data indicating the organic industry continues to grow domestically and globally, with 24,650 certified organic operations in the United States, and 37,032 around the world. The 2016 count of U.S. certified organic farms and businesses reflects a 13 percent increase between the end of 2015 and
- [Allium Leafminer Update April 24](https://www.pvga.org/allium-leafminer-update-april-24/) - Allium leafminer has landed…on our traps. The week of April 17 to April 23 we found adult allium leafminers indicating that the populations are increasing. We expect populations to continue to increase, reaching peak populations in the beginning of May, so control measures should be taken. See more here.
- [Fertility Considerations for Potatoes](https://www.pvga.org/fertility-considerations-for-potatoes-posted-april-27-2017/) - The following should be considered when developing a fertilizer program for potato production. pH pH is an important factor in any fertilizer program and in controlling common scab. As pH increases to near 6.0 plant nutrients also increase and toxic elements become less available, thereby providing optimal growing conditions from the standpoint of nutrients. Where
- [Strawberry Planting and Other Basics](https://www.pvga.org/strawberry-planting-and-other-basics/) - A successful strawberry planting hinges on getting the basics right at planting time. If you can pay attention to the basics, you are well on your way to having a vigorous planting. Here are a few of the things that are most important when it comes to establishing a healthy planting. See more here.
- [Research Field Days Set for July 12 and July 25](https://www.pvga.org/research-field-days-set-for-july-12-and-july-25/) - A summer Vegetable and Fruit Field Day at Penn State’s Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center is being planned for July 12, 2017. Growers will have an opportunity to see equipment demonstrations and learn about the latest developments in vegetable, berry, and tree fruit research. Breakout sessions related to vegetable disease identification, high tunnel berry
- [Consumer Food Prices Remain Pretty Steady](https://www.pvga.org/consumer-food-prices-remain-pretty-steady/) - After adjusting for inflation, the price of Easter eggs is at the lowest level in more than 20 years, down four percent from 1995. The real inflation-adjusted value of an 11-item subset of the Spring Picnic Marketbasket is $13.04, the lowest level since 2010. The informal survey completed by 117 volunteer shoppers across 31 states
- [PSU Researches Great Pumpkin Project](https://www.pvga.org/1048-2/) - A researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is reaching out to Master Gardeners, teachers, students and other interested parties to participate in a citizen-science project that ultimately could benefit growers, crops, pollinators and the environment. - See more here.
- [Cover Crops Help Address Climate Change](https://www.pvga.org/cover-crops-help-address-climate-change/) - Cover crops long have been touted for their ability to reduce erosion, fix atmospheric nitrogen, reduce nitrogen leaching and improve soil health, but they also may play an important role in mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture, according to a Penn State researcher. Climate-change mitigation and adaptation may be additional, important ecosystem services
- [No Organic Checkoff Coalition Submits Petitions](https://www.pvga.org/no-organic-checkoff-coalition-submits-petitions/) - The No Organic Checkoff Coalition has submitted to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service a list of 1,888 signatories to a petition urging the agency to reject a proposal to create a new “research and promotion” program, also called a checkoff program. The coalition also will submit a letter opposing the checkoff signed by more than 60
- [CRAFT Propagation Practices for the Diversified Vegetable Farmer April 26](https://www.pvga.org/craft-propagation-practices-for-the-diversified-vegetable-farmer/) - Pennypack Farm & Education Center Wednesday, April 26, 3 pm-6 pm During this afternoon, the farmers at Pennypack will be giving a tour of their farm's propagation operation, including their greenhouses and crop planning process in preparation for their 2017 summer CSA. Discussion about their soil mix, which Pennypack makes on-site, and considerations in
- [Reap Tax Credits Available](https://www.pvga.org/reap-tax-credits-available/) - Farmers who want to use new best management practices or purchase conservation equipment can utilize the state's Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. REAP provides tax credits to farmers who install best management practices or purchase equipment that reduces the amount of erosion and sediment reaching streams. The program is administered by the State Conservation
- [Pesticide Maker Tries to Kill Risk Study](https://www.pvga.org/pesticide-maker-tries-to-kill-risk-study/) - Dow Chemical is pushing the Trump administration to scrap the findings of federal scientists who point to a family of widely used pesticides as harmful to about 1,800 critically threatened or endangered species. Lawyers representing Dow, whose CEO also heads a White House manufacturing working group, and two other makers of organophosphates sent letters last
- [A Better Way to Manage Phosphorus?](https://www.pvga.org/a-better-way-to-manage-phosphorus/) - All living things – from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals – need phosphorus. But extra phosphorus in the wrong place can harm the environment. For example, when too much phosphorus enters a lake or stream, it can lead to excessive weed growth and algal blooms. Low-oxygen dead zones can form. Runoff from
- [Drivers Urged to Share the Road](https://www.pvga.org/drivers-urged-to-share-the-road/) - It didn't take long for a line of more than six vehicles to back up behind a John Deere Corn Planter traveling north on Route 97 on a brisk Wednesday morning. The more-than-40-foot piece of farm equipment made the left turn into Troyer Growers in Waterford without incident, an occurrence state officials gathered at
- [Letters Needed to Permit Roadside Signs](https://www.pvga.org/letters-needed-to-permit-roadside-signs/) - Growers in some locations have run into issues with the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) over the placement of signs for roadside markets along highways. While signs on the premise of the market are usually permitted, signs placed along the road on others property in advance of the market property are often not allowed. While
- [Processing Tomato Costs and Returns](https://www.pvga.org/997-2/) - UC Agricultural Issues Center has released an updated study on the costs and returns of producing transplanted processing tomatoes under subsurface drip irrigation in the Sacramento Valley and northern Delta region. The analysis is based upon a hypothetical well-managed farming operation using practices common to the region. The costs, materials and practices shown in this study
- [H2A Meals and Travel Reimbursement Rates Announced](https://www.pvga.org/h2a-meals-and-travel-reimbursements-announced/) - DOL posted a notice April 13 in the Federal Register for meal and travel reimbursements for H2A workers. The travel reimbursement remains at $51/day. Workers may be charged $12.07 per day when three meals per day are provided by the employer. There are further details in the announcement including information on partial day reimbursements here.
- [Form I-9 Webinar Offered April 19](https://www.pvga.org/employment-form-webinar-offered-april-19/) - A webinar for employers on how to handle Form I-9 will be offered April 19 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The webinar will last about one hour. To register, click here. The full schedule of E-Verify webinars are listed here.
- [Employment and Labor Changes Outlook](https://www.pvga.org/employment-and-labor-changes-outlook/) - Big changes are likely in the offing as all three branches of our federal government begin to deal with labor and employment issues following President Trump’s election. President Trump’s first 100 days has already included action on a number of employment and labor law issues we’re following. The Administration has enacted or signaled changes –
- [Introduction to Vegetable Production Course Offered](https://www.pvga.org/introduction-to-vegetable-production-course-offered/) - This eight-session course will cover the basics of soil science (including soil fertility and soil health), propagation methods, seedling and transplanting management, the basics of plant disease, how to develop an integrated pest management plan, an overview of organic certification, as well as finding and identifying plant pests and diseases. These sessions are designed as
- [Shop Rite Expands Free Fruit Program](https://www.pvga.org/shop-rite-expands-free-fruit-program/) - ShopRite has added five New Jersey and Pennsylvania stores to those that have been offering free fruit to kids under 12 when they're in the store. The program was launched earlier this year to encourage consumption of healthy snacks, Grocery Headquarters reported. The kids are given a banana, clementine or another seasonal fruit when they enter the
- [PA Farmers Play Key Role in Water Quality Goals](https://www.pvga.org/pa-farmers-play-key-role-in-water-quality-goals/) - Because of a new narrative of stewardship, Pennsylvania farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will be persuaded to look at conservation, not as something they have to do but rather something they want to do. That’s one of the key conclusions in a just-released report from a conference that brought together farmers, representatives of farm
- [Fungus Among Us](https://www.pvga.org/fungus-among-us/) - Each year, fungal infections destroy at least 125 million tons of the world’s five most important crops -rice, wheat, maize, soybeans and potatoes- a quantity that could feed 600 million people. Fungi are not only a problem in the field, but also produce large losses in the post-harvest stage: during product storage, transport or in
- [Edamame Are Flavorful and Easy to Grow](https://www.pvga.org/edamame-are-flavorful-and-easy-to-grow/) - Move over, tempeh, tofu, miso, soy sauce, soy milk and other processed soy foods. Make way for edamame. This is the soybean in its most primitive state — picked young and green, steamed or boiled for five minutes, then popped out of the pod right into your mouth. With high-quality protein, phytoestrogens, and a good
- [Cover Crops Work?  Show Me!](https://www.pvga.org/cover-crops-work-show-me/) - All across the United States, farmers are increasingly using cover crops to suppress weeds, conserve soil and control pests and diseases. But agricultural educators know that savvy farmers are reluctant about risk and often want to see cover crops in action before making significant change. SARE’s Library of Cover Crop and Soil Health Images is now available to
- [Science Confirms Mom Was Right](https://www.pvga.org/science-confirms-mom-was-right/) - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have determined your mom was right. You should eat your Brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage and 27 additional varieties of Brassica microgreens. That declaration comes following the identification of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals in all members of the Brassica family that are important to our health. - See more here.
- [FruitGuys Announce Grant Recipients](https://www.pvga.org/fruitguys-announce-grant-recipients/) - The FruitGuys Community Fund, a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives that provides grants to small farms and sustainability projects, announces the recipients of its 2017 grants. This year, the fund awarded 10 small American farms and agricultural nonprofits a total of $42,913 in funding for sustainability projects aimed to impact environmental, economic and community
- [Allium Leafminer Update 1](https://www.pvga.org/allium-leafminer-update-1/) - Tim Elkner, Penn State Extension in Lancaster Co. is reporting the following Allium Leafminer activity: During my farm visits yesterday (4/6/17) to set traps I found evidence of activity of adult allium leaf miner (ALM) on 2 of 3 sites here in Lancaster County. At one site there was feeding damage on both onion transplants
- [Ag Transportation Questions Answered](https://www.pvga.org/ag-transportation-questions-answered/) - Farmers with questions about moving agriculture vehicles on roadways, or related questions, can visit www.pfb.com/transportation to get numerous answers on transportation issues. Copies of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's updated transportation booklet can be downloaded from this site. Transportation laws governing the various types of agriculture equipment and vehicles are often complicated. That's why Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
- [EPA Decides Not to Ban Chlopyrifos](https://www.pvga.org/epa-decides-not-to-ban-chlopyrifos/) - United Fresh applauds the decision made last week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject an interest group petition to remove the crop protection product known as chlopyrifos, from the market. The product, which is used on a variety of specialty crops, has been the subject of extensive and lengthy review by EPA. In
- [Deadline Looms for Trucking Companies to Comply with FDA Sanitary Transportation Rule](https://www.pvga.org/deadline-looms-for-trucking-companies-to-comply-with-fda-sanitary-transportation-rule/) - Trucking companies have until April 6 to comply with the training provision of the FDA’s Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food rule, but with less than two weeks before the compliance date, the federal agency has yet to post its digital training course. As part of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, carriers responsible for sanitary
- [Penn State to Host Study Circle on Cooperative Marketing of Produce](https://www.pvga.org/penn-state-to-host-study-circle-on-cooperative-marketing-of-produce/) - Join the Southern Allegheny Establishing Farmer Study Circle Network for an evening focusing on “Joining a Grower Cooperative”. The event will be held April 19th at Friends Farm in Williamsburg, PA from 6:00 to 8:30pm. Discussion points will include the process of joining, and the successes and challenges of marketing your produce through a wholesale
- [Penn State to Host Study Circle on Hiring Farm Employees](https://www.pvga.org/penn-state-to-host-study-circle-on-hiring-farm-employees/) - Join the Southern Allegheny Establishing Farmer Study Circle Network for an evening focusing on "Hiring the Best Employees for Your Farm Operation". The event will be held April 3rd at Friends Farm in Williamsburg, PA from 6:00 to 8:30pm. Discussion points will include hiring and keeping qualified year round and seasonal employees. This study circle
- [Introduction to Vegetable Production Workshop Series Starts](https://www.pvga.org/introduction-to-vegetable-production-workshop-series-starts/) - The Introduction to Vegetable Production Workshop Series will introduce aspiring and new vegetable producers to diverse production strategies, and provide a framework for effective farm production planning. When Thurs., Apr. 20 - Aug. 31, 2017 (5:00 AM - 8:00 PM) Where Lehigh County Agricultural Center 4184 Dorney Park Rd. Allentown, PA 18104 See more here.
- [Critical Updates for 2017 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Guide](https://www.pvga.org/critical-updates-for-2017-mid-atlantic-commercial-vegetable-guide/) - The Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Guide is currently undergoing some much needed upgrading to improve both the editor and end-user experience. To account for the time needed to make this transition, a critical updates addendum was prepared to supplement and bring up-to-date the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Guide. Below are the critical updates that
- [Blueberries and Winter Injury Concerns](https://www.pvga.org/blueberries-and-winter-injury-concerns/) - Fluctuating temperatures can cause as much or more crop loss than cold winter temperatures or spring frosts. Unfortunately, our ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry field at the Horticulture Research Farm has more flower bud damage this year than I’ve ever seen before. While our site makes winter damage especially likely, I’m afraid we won’t be alone. Our planting
- [Allium Leafminer Expected to Emerge in April](https://www.pvga.org/allium-leafminer-expected-to-emerge-in-april/) - The allium leafminer, Phytomyza gymnostoma, is a fly that originates from Poland, Germany, Austria and Spain, and was confirmed in 18 counties in Pennsylvania last year. The fly infests plants in the Allium genus, including leeks (A. porrum) onion (A. cepa), garlic (A. sativum), chive (A. schoenoprasum), shallot (A. cepa var. aggregatum), and green onion
- [PVGA Directors Issue Statement on Convention Speaker](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-directors-issue-statement-on-convention-speaker/) - In response to the comments of the keynote speaker at this year’s Convention, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association Board of Directors wishes to state that the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention is intended to be a non-partisan educational event serving the needs of all growers. PVGA has not in the past nor will in the
- [Effectiveness of Specialty Crop Programs](https://www.pvga.org/effectiveness-of-specialty-crop-programs/) - Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, held a hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2014 Farm Bill programs aimed at benefiting specialty crop production. Members heard from a panel of witnesses who highlighted the various programs available for specialty crops ranging from promotion programs
- [Farmer Testifies for Specialty Crops](https://www.pvga.org/farmer-testifies-for-specialty-crops/) - Massachusetts farmer and President of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) Laura Davis delivered testimony before the House Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research. The subcommittee hearing on Specialty Crops is part of a larger series of hearings entitled “The Next Farm Bill”, hosted by the Committee on Agriculture of
- [Farmers' Markets Again Available on PA Turnpike](https://www.pvga.org/farmers-markets-again-available-on-pa-turnpike/) - Farmers have the chance to market their products at three rest areas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The farm markets will run April through November at rest areas located at the Allentown Service Plaza, Sideling Hill Service Plaza and New Stanton Service Plaza. Farmers markets are open at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Mondays and holiday weekends,
- [Why Inoculate, Exactly?](https://www.pvga.org/why-inoculate-exactly/) - That little packet of dark powder you are coerced into purchasing along with your clover seed can be mystifying. It only weighs a few ounces, and it has to be kept cool and dry and managed like a living pet (it is, after all, alive). Plus it invariably gets all over your hands and clothes.
- [Specialty Crops "Ripe" for Precision Ag](https://www.pvga.org/specialty-crops-ripe-for-precision-ag/) - Timing the harvest and transport of highly perishable, hand-picked crops such as strawberries so these delicate products reach consumers at peak flavor and freshness is an intricate dance that partners Mother Nature with manual labor. However, many of the “smart farming” techniques and technologies that help growers harvest more of what they sow faster and
- [Vent-Free Heaters and Ethylene Injury](https://www.pvga.org/vent-free-heaters-and-ethylene-injury/) - Growers looking to high efficiency vent-free heaters for their greenhouse operation may be disappointed in their performance when growing ethylene sensitive crops like tomatoes. Recently, a Pennsylvania grower sold on the high efficiency rating of a vent-free unit purchased and installed one in his tomato greenhouse. For those unfamiliar with these units they utilize a
- [Vegetable Growers Reflect on Improving Small Farm Efficiency](https://www.pvga.org/vegetable-growers-reflect-on-improving-small-farm-efficiency/) - At a recent study circle meeting held in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, vegetable growers shared their questions, thoughts and experiences about how to make the most efficient use of time, tools, labor and resources on the farm. The Penn State Extension Start Farming Team has begun another season of study circle meetings across the state. Study
- [Plasticulture Strawberry Variety Trial 2016 Results](https://www.pvga.org/plasticulture-strawberry-variety-trial-2016-results/) - We collected data on performance of strawberry cultivars in the second harvest year of a plasticulture planting at the Penn State South East Ag Research and Extension Center in Manheim, PA. Back in December 2016, Kathy Demchak reported on a matted-row strawberry variety trial at the Penn State Horticulture Research Farm at Rock Springs. This
- [Penn State Extension Asks Produce Growers to Take Survey](https://www.pvga.org/penn-state-extension-asks-produce-growers-to-take-survey/) - Pennsylvania produce growers, food processors and animal feed producers preparing to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) can provide Penn State Extension with input — via an anonymous survey — that will help guide the development of relevant educational resources. Passed by Congress in 2011, FSMA establishes regulatory practices that produce farmers, food
- [Drought Status Improves for 17 Counties](https://www.pvga.org/drought-status-improves-for-17-counties/) - Following a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, the Department of Environmental Protection announced that two counties remain in drought warning status. Six improve from warning to watch status, and 11 improve from watch to normal status. (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) Following a meeting on February 14 of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, the
- [Three GMO Potatoes Approved](https://www.pvga.org/three-gmo-potatoes-approved/) - Three types of potatoes genetically engineered to resist the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine are safe for the environment and safe to eat, federal officials announced. The approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration late last week gives Idaho-based J.R. Simplot Co. permission to plant the potatoes this
- [President Orders Reveiw of WOTUS Rule](https://www.pvga.org/president-orders-reveiw-of-wotus-rule/) - President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating a review of an Obama-era rule aimed at protecting small streams and wetlands from development and pollution, fulfilling a campaign promise while earning the ire of environmental groups. The order, signed at the White House Tuesday, instructs the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers
- [The Impact of a Loaf of Bread](https://www.pvga.org/the-impact-of-a-loaf-of-bread/) - With an estimated 12 million loaves sold in the UK every year, bread remains a staple of the British diet. In a groundbreaking study researchers from the University of Sheffield have now calculated the environmental impact of a loaf of bread and which part of its production contributes the most greenhouse gas. The group of
- [Economy Complicates Farm Bill Efforts](https://www.pvga.org/economy-complicates-farm-bill-efforts/) - As the elder statesman from an agricultural state, U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts has worked on crafting seven farm bills. But it is with some trepidation that the work begins to draft new legislation amid daunting challenges confronting farmers in the era of President Donald Trump. Roberts, chairman of the Senate agriculture committee, was in Kansas
- [Accepted Vision for Ag Questioned](https://www.pvga.org/accepted-vision-for-ag-questioned/) - "Food production must double by 2050 to feed the world's growing population." This truism has been repeated so often in recent years that it has become widely accepted among academics, policymakers and farmers, but now researchers are challenging this assertion and suggesting a new vision for the future of agriculture. Research published today (Feb. 17)
- [Farmers Need Seasonal Workers - and Immigration Reform](https://www.pvga.org/farmers-need-seasonal-workers-and-immigration-reform/) - AS debate over federal immigration policy and enforcement has taken center-stage in Washington, D.C., it is worth remembering the potential impacts of these decisions on our state’s economy and particularly on the economy of rural Washington. Agriculture remains a vital and growing sector of our state’s economy. Agriculture and food processing annually is a $51
- [Fifth of World's Food is Wasted](https://www.pvga.org/fifth-of-worlds-food-is-wasted-2/) - Almost 20 per cent of the food made available to consumers is lost through over-eating or waste, a study suggests. The world population consumes around 10 per cent more food than it needs, while almost nine per cent is thrown away or left to spoil, researchers say. - See more here.
- [Bee Decline Threatens Crop Production](https://www.pvga.org/bee-decline-threatens-crop-production/) - The first-ever study to map U.S. wild bees suggests they are disappearing in the country’s most important farmlands — from California’s Central Valley to the Midwest’s corn belt and the Mississippi River valley. If wild bee declines continue, it could hurt U.S. crop production and farmers’ costs, said Taylor Ricketts, a conservation ecologist at the
- [Save the Bees?  There's an App for That!](https://www.pvga.org/save-the-bees-theres-an-app-for-that/) - Let’s say a farmer wanted to plant wildflowers to nurture the bumble bees that pollinate her crops. Currently, she would have to walk through her fields, assess possible locations, take measurements, spend hours crunching costs and still only guess at the amount of bees and pollination the effort will generate. Soon, the farmer can do
- [Farm Food Safety Manual Workshop Planned](https://www.pvga.org/farm-food-safety-manual-workshop-planned/) - Developing a Farm Food Safety Manual is essential towards becoming GAP/GHP or Harmonized GAP certified. Many farms also find the process to be instrumental in refining harvesting and post-harvest systems, through reducing risk and standardizing procedures. This particular workshop on March 11, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, will cover key aspects of
- [Soil Health Workshop is March 17](https://www.pvga.org/soil-health-workshop-is-march-17/) - NRCS along with the Allegheny County Conservation District will be hosting a Western Pa. Regional soil health workshop on March 17 at the Atrium banquet facility, 1031 New Castle Road, Prospect. This event will feature Jay Fuhrer, District Conservationist from Bismarck North Dakota, one of the leaders in the soil health movement. Fuhrer will speak
- [Mid-Atlantic Strawberry Program is Feb. 27 to Mar. 1](https://www.pvga.org/mid-atlantic-strawberry-program-is-feb-27-to-mar-1/) - Registrations are due February 20. The Mid-Atlantic Strawberry Programs will be held February 27 to March 1, 2017, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this year. The Programs begin with a Strawberry Field Walk on February 27 from 12:30 p.m. until dark at Hickory Ridge Farms and Brookdale Farms-Chesapeake, both in Chesapeake, Virginia. That evening there will
- [USDA Conducting Organic Grower Survey](https://www.pvga.org/usda-conducting-organic-grower-survey/) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the 2016 Certified Organic Survey to gather new data on certified organic crops and livestock commodities in the United States. This effort is critical to help determine the economic impact of certified organic agriculture production in the United States. NASS is mailing
- [Farm Business Training Classes Offered](https://www.pvga.org/farm-business-training-classes-offered/) - Have you been farming for more than 3 Years? Are you ready to move from your start-up “Survive” business model to a better “Thriving Business” model? At some point every farmer has to acknowledge that the business has undergone some unexpected changes. The Wheels Up training program leads participants through a process of re-envisioning, reframing
- [Nanoparticle Fertilizer Developed](https://www.pvga.org/nanoparticle-fertilizer-developed/) - The “Green Revolution” of the ’60s and ’70s has been credited with helping to feed billions around the world, with fertilizers being one of the key drivers spurring the agricultural boom. But in developing countries, the cost of fertilizer remains relatively high and can limit food production. Now researchers report in the journal ACS Nano
- [Vertical Aeroponic Systems On the Market Now](https://www.pvga.org/vertical-aeroponic-systems-on-the-market-now/) - Indoor Farms of America announces today the company is now preparing to launch a version of its Container Farms that will be energy independent and water independent, allowing deployment of the farms anywhere in the world. “We have been working on this for quite some time, and these enhancements to our farm products will be
- [Pennsylvania a Leader in Direct-to-Consumer Sales](https://www.pvga.org/pennsylvania-a-leader-in-direct-to-consumer-sales/) - In 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture Nation Ag Statistic Service conducted a “Local Food Marketing Practices Survey” to get a better picture of the direct-to-consumer sales in agriculture. According to NASS, “the primary purpose of the Local Food Marketing Practices Survey was to produce benchmark statistics on the number of farms that market
- [Reducing Redundant Farm Regulations](https://www.pvga.org/reducing-redundant-farm-regulations/) - U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, with a bipartisan group of senators, introduced S.340, the Sensible Environmental Protection Act, to eliminate redundant federal permitting requirements for pesticide applications. To read more, click here.
- [2017 Convention Posts Record Attendance](https://www.pvga.org/2017-convention-posts-record-attendance/) - PVGA posted record attendance at the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention with paid attendance surpassing 1,000 for the first time. This year's paid attendance for PVGA was 1,091 in preliminary counts. That is about 120 more than the record set last year when paid PVGA attendance was 972. With about another 850 persons registered with the
- [PVGA Loses Life Member Robert C. Trax](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-loses-life-member-robert-c-trax/) - Robert C. Trax, a PVGA Life Member, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017, just two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Bob was elected to the PVGA Board of Directors in 1989 and served as a director for 20 years until 2009, including two years as President of the Association. He also served for
- [Convention Pre-Registration Discount Ends Monday, Jan. 23](https://www.pvga.org/convention-pre-registration-ends-monday-jan-23/) - The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention pre-registration discount for PVGA members ends on Monday, January 23. Until midnight on Monday, members can pre-register for $65 for the first person from a farm or family and for $60 for each additional person. On Tuesday, January 24, the member walk-in registration rate of $80 per person goes
- [Thank You Farm Show Volunteers](https://www.pvga.org/thank-you-farm-show-volunteers/) - Thanks to hundreds of PVGA Farm Show booth volunteers, the Association's sales exceeded $200,000 for the second year in a row. Preliminary figures show a profit of about $60,000 - possible only with the dedication of our faithful volunteers. Although we had quite a few vacancies right up to the start of the 101st Farm
- [New Program to Foster Organic Growth](https://www.pvga.org/new-program-to-foster-organic-growth/) - Today, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) announced a new partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help guide farmers transitioning into certified organic agricultural production. To read more, click here.
- [Allentown Farm Transition Session Set for Jan. 24](https://www.pvga.org/allentown-farm-transition-session-set-for-jan-24/) - PA Farm Link will be holding a Farm Succession and Transition Program on Jan. 24 at the Lehigh County Agricultural Center, Allentown, Pa. Professionals in the agricultural industry will be providing valuable information to farm business owners who are looking to retire, scale back from farming or looking to transition from a farm business to
- [Grants to Support Local Food Sector](https://www.pvga.org/grants-to-support-local-food-sector/) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the availability of $27 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed to strengthen market opportunities for local and regional food producers and businesses. To read more, click here.
- [Neonicotinoid Risk Assessments Released](https://www.pvga.org/neonicotinoid-risk-assessments-released/) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published preliminary pollinator-only risk assessments for the neonicotinoid insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran and also an update to its preliminary risk assessment for imidacloprid, which we published in January 2016. The updated imidacloprid assessment looks at potential risks to aquatic species, and identifies some risks for aquatic insects.
- [Webinar Jan. 24 to Review Local Food Marketing Survey Results](https://www.pvga.org/webinar-jan-24-to-review-local-food-marketing-survey-results/) - More than 167,000 U.S. farms locally produced and sold food through direct marketing practices, resulting in $8.7 billion in revenue in 2015, according to the results from the first Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, originally released on Dec. 20, 2016 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The report results
- [Redding Appoints New Deputy Secretary](https://www.pvga.org/redding-appoints-new-deputy-secretary/) - Secretary Russell Redding announced Cheryl Cook, an experienced leader on state and national agricultural issues, as the state Department of Agriculture’s new deputy secretary for market development effective Jan. 20. Cook, who presently serves as the department chief innovation officer, will succeed current deputy secretary, Hannah Smith-Brubaker, who will step down Jan. 19 to serve
- [Spotted Wing Drosophila Web Updates Jan. 25 and Feb. 1](https://www.pvga.org/spotted-wing-drosophila-web-updates-jan-25-and-feb-1/) - Spotted Wing Drosophila Insecticide Update - January 25, 2017 Members of the Sustainable SWD Project will present a webinar online on January 25th at 12-1pm eastern time, highlighting information about control of the invasive insect pest, spotted wing drosophila. The webinar titled “Making the Most of Your Insecticide Toolbox to Manage SWD” will cover research conducted during the
- [More Farm Show Help Urgently Needed](https://www.pvga.org/more-farm-show-help-urgently-needed/) - PVGA still needs more volunteers to staff the Farm Show food booth and the high tunnel exhibit. We are looking for people on the following shifts: 3 people Friday, Jan. 6 noon to 9 p.m. 4 people Saturday, Jan. 7 3 to 9 p.m. 2 people Sunday, Jan. 8
- [Fire Damages Dan Schantz Greenhouse Complex](https://www.pvga.org/fire-damages-dan-schantz-greenhouse-complex/) - The owners of the Dan Schantz farm said a fire that ripped through one of its buildings Tuesday night caused more than $1 million in damage, including the loss of flowers and bulbs awaiting shipment. Despite all that damage at the 83-acre Dan Schantz Farm & Greenhouses, it won't affect the Easter flower season, the
- [Still Needed - Farm Show Helpers and High Tunnel Interpreters](https://www.pvga.org/still-needed-farm-show-helpers-and-high-tunnel-interpreters/) - PVGA is still in need of volunteers for the Farm Show Food Booth for the following time slots: Friday, January 6, from noon to 9:00 p.m. (6 to 8) Saturday, January 7, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. (5) Sunday, January 8, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. (2) Monday, January 9, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. (3)
- [Young Grower Award Deadline Extended](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-young-grower-award-applications-being-accepted/) - The deadline to apply for the "PVGA Young Grower Award" is being extended to Saturday, January 7, 2017. The Board of Directors voted to establish the Young Grower award that will be awarded each year by the Leadership and Recognition Committee. PVGA members are asked to nominate a young grower (someone they know or themselves) who
- [Real Solutions for Healthy Eating](https://www.pvga.org/real-solutions-for-healthy-eating/) - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) launched a New Year’s campaign to help Americans turn their resolutions into real solutions for healthy eating in 2017. This campaign is supported by new and existing MyPlate, MyWins resources available on ChooseMyPlate.gov, which are designed such that Americans can decide
- [Studying the Potato Famine Pathogen](https://www.pvga.org/studying-the-potato-famine-pathogen/) - New North Carolina State University research delves into the movement and evolution of the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine in the 1840s, which set down roots in the United States before attacking Europe. To track the evolution of differing strains of Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for the Irish potato famine and a
- [An Effective Vegetable Rotation](https://www.pvga.org/an-effective-vegetable-rotation/) - Issues with weeds, insects, and disease make certified organic production of vegetables challenging in the southeastern United States. Maintaining and building soil organic carbon in midscale organic production systems can also be difficult due to the warm, moist conditions that promote decomposition. The authors of a new study in HortTechnology say that cool-season cash crops paired
- [Strip Tillage, Rowcovers for Cucurbits](https://www.pvga.org/strip-tillage-rowcovers-for-cucurbits/) - Plasticulture systems, the use of polyethylene mulch on raised beds with drip irrigation, are common in the production of many cucurbit crops in the Northeastern US. Plasticulture systems have numerous benefits, but concerns about costs and the environmental impacts of plastic disposal, along with expenses related to system installation, are motivating scientists to find alternatives.
- [Hydroponics Session Schedule Announced](https://www.pvga.org/hydroponics-session-schedule-announced/) - The schedule for the Hydroponics session on Tuesday afternoon, January 31, at the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention was recently finalized. It is as follows: Hydroponics - Empire Room CD 1:30 The Latest in Greenhouse LED Research – Dr. A. J. Both, Rutgers Univ. 2:00 Gone Fishing: Aquaponics and Float Culture Salad Greens Production
- [Farm Market Tour Details Published](https://www.pvga.org/farm-market-tour-details-published/) - The details of the Farm Market Bus Tour planned for January 30, the day prior to the opening of the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention have been announced here. The tour will visit Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm Market in York, Brown's Orchard and Farm Market in Loganville, Leg Up Farmers' Market in York and
- [We Need Your Help at the 2017 Farm Show!!!](https://www.pvga.org/we-need-your-help-at-the-farm-show/) - If you have not volunteered to help at the Association’s food booth at the Farm Show, call PVGA today at 717-694-3596. We need at least 25 volunteers in the booth at all the times. Since the Farm Show runs from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., we need two shifts to completely cover each day from
- [Organic Certification Made Easier](https://www.pvga.org/organic-certification-made-easier/) - Thanks to a newly re-positioned farmer cost share program, announced December 23 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic producers and handlers will have improved access to organic certification cost share assistance starting in spring of 2017. To read more, click here.
- [Delay Sought in New WPS Regulations Effective Date](https://www.pvga.org/delay-sought-in-new-wps-regulations-effective-date/) - The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to delay the January 2017 start date of its worker protection safety rule. AFBF and NASDA cited EPA violations of federal law as well as incomplete and undelivered compliance and enforcement tools to support their
- [These Tomatoes Ripen Weeks Earlier](https://www.pvga.org/these-tomatoes-ripen-weeks-earlier/) - These Tomatoes Ripen Weeks Earlier Using a simple and powerful genetic method to tweak genes native to two popular varieties of tomato plants, a team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has devised a rapid method to make them flower and produce ripe fruit more than 2 weeks faster than commercial breeders are currently able
- [Supercharged Plants Aim to Boost Food Production](https://www.pvga.org/supercharged-plants-aim-to-boost-food-production/) - Scientists have supercharged plant growth by making them more responsive to changes in light and shade. The researchers hope what they have learned by souping up experimental plants will someday help feed a hungry world. Plants turn sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into food through a process called photosynthesis. To read more, click here.
- [Vegetable Chemical Use Survey Underway](https://www.pvga.org/vegetable-chemical-use-survey-underway/) - USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) is researching how the produce industry will fare economically under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and grower participation in the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2016 Vegetable Chemical Use Survey is vital to the success of the study. If asked to participate in this survey, growers are asked to
- [Seedless Fruits an Underestimated tool](https://www.pvga.org/seedless-fruits-an-underestimated-tool/) - Production of seedless fruits an under-estimated tool for improving food security, research shows. The opportunity to produce bountiful levels of vital food crops such as apples, tomatoes and watermelons could be boosted by reducing a crop’s demand for pollinators, new research has shown. A team of researchers from the University of Exeter have conducted new
- [PDA Funds Nine Ag Research Projects](https://www.pvga.org/pda-funds-nine-ag-research-projects/) - Nine projects aimed at improving the state agriculture industry’s understanding of pressing challenges and promising opportunities will benefit from more than $600,000 in research grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Secretary Russell Redding announced. The projects, which were competitively scored, target key priority areas, such as how to better manage pests, protect crops from
- [Precut Salad May Encourage Salmonella](https://www.pvga.org/precut-salad-may-encourage-salmonella/) - A new study from the University of Leicester shows that small amounts of damage to salad leaves in bagged salads encourage the presence of Salmonella enterica. Juices released from damaged leaves also enhance the pathogen’s ability to attach to the salad’s plastic container. The research is published November 18th in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a
- [Convention Program and Registration Online](https://www.pvga.org/convention-program-and-registration-online/) - The educational program for the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention is now available online along with information on the six PVGA sponsored workshops. While this information will soon be available on the Convention website, it is available now on the PVGA website here. If you want to register early, you can do so by
- [Health Care Insurance Options](https://www.pvga.org/health-care-insurance-options/) - This is the time of year for renewing health insurance policies and the premiums for many policies are expected to substantially increase. While PVGA does not directly provide health care insurance policies for our members, two possible sources of information on policy options for PVGA members are Agri-Service Agencies (a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of
- [Check Out Your Latest American Vegetable Grower!](https://www.pvga.org/check-out-your-latest-american-vegetable-grower/) - Be sure to check out the May issue of the American Vegetable Grower magazine that features PVGA President Dave Miller on the front cover. If you've misplaced your print copy, you can read the story "Small Producers Talk Profits" here.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.pvga.org/) - Serves Pennsylvania’s vegetable, potato, and berry growers through education, research, advocacy and promotion.
- [Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention](https://www.pvga.org/convention/) - Planning has begun for the 2027 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Check back for more details in the coming weeks! PVGA is proud to be a sponsor of the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, one of the premier grower meetings in the Northeast and beyond. This multi-state event is co-sponsored by PVGA as well as the
- [Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Proceedings](https://www.pvga.org/member-resources/mid-atlantic-fruit-and-vegetable-convention-proceedings/) - Available for download are proceedings for the vegetable, potato, flower, small fruit, and general sessions. 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
- [Proceedings 26](https://www.pvga.org/proceedings-26/) - The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Proceedings are for the vegetable, potato, greenhouse, small fruit and general sessions.
- [Newsletter](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/) - The Association publishes its own bi-monthly newsletter, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers News, which is mailed to members six times per year. The newsletter is at least 20 pages of news about the Association and its activities, information about current issues of concern to growers, educational articles on vegetable, potato, and berry production, and a new
- [2025 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/2025-newsletters/) - Buyers Guide (January/February) Issue 2 (March/April) Issue 3 (May/June) Issue 4 (July/August) Issue 5 (October/September) Issue 6 (November/December)
- [Rudolph Grob Memorial Scholarship](https://www.pvga.org/services/scholarship/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to be able offer several annual scholarships in the amount of $500 to $2,000 in memory of Rudolph Grob of Millersville who served the Association for 50 years as a Director, 20 years as Secretary-Treasurer and for over 20 years as manager of the Association’s Farm Show Booth.
- [2024 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/2024-newsletters/) - Buyers Guide (January/February) Issue 2 (March/April) Issue 3 (May/June) Issue 4 (July/August) Issue 5 (September/October) Issue 6 (November/December)
- [2023 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2023-newsletters/) - January February March April May June July August-September October-November December
- [2022 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/2022-newsletters-january-to-june/) - January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.pvga.org/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Statement- Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) is committed to protecting your privacy and providing technology that gives you the most powerful and safe online experience. This Statement of Privacy applies to the PVGA website and governs data collection and usage. By using the PVGA website, you consent to the
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipients](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/) - The following persons and companies have received the Association's Annual Award in recognition of their service and dedication to the vegetable, potato or berry industries of the Commonwealth: 2026 - Rob Amsterdam 2025 - William Reynolds 2023 - Beth Gugino 2022 - David Miller 2021 - Steven Bogash 2020 - Shelby Fleischer 2019 - Timothy
- [PVGA Life Members](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/) - Life Membership in the Association is an honor granted by the Board of Directors to members who have had a longstanding record of service and dedication to the Association and the vegetable, potato or berry industries of the Commonweatlh. Paul Rowe – Grower and former Director and President (deceased) Norman Reber – former Editor of Pennsylvania Farmer
- [Board of Directors](https://www.pvga.org/board-of-directors/) - President Tina Forry Tina along with her husband Greg and five children operate Risser Marvel Farm Market in Annville. They have operated the market the entire season since 2007 since the Marvel’s retired but since 1991 they had operated it during the fall after the Marvel’s closed. They have two high tunnels and grow about
- [Past Officers](https://www.pvga.org/leadership/past-officers/) - The following have served as President of the Association since 1962: Peter Flynn 2024-2025 Pete began dairy farming on the Jones’s farm, now the current site of the Bayard Rustin High School, in 1986. In 1989 he planted sweet corn on one-eighth of an acre and sold his harvest from the back of his pick-up
- [Committees and Representatives](https://www.pvga.org/committees/) - In the coming months, PVGA's leadership will be reviewing the committees and the purpose and structure of each. Executive Committee Tina Forry-chair, Morgan Bond, Rita Resick, Adam Voll, Pete Flynn Leadership and Recognition Committee – having responsibility for nominating candidates for directors, officers, annual award recipients, life membership and other awards as well as overseeing
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient - Laurence Yager](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-laurence-yager/) - Yager, the first recipient of this Annual Award, is well known to fruit and vegetable growers throughout the state. Although his official territory of service is a just of section of the state, his agricultural marketing expertise has enabled him to assist producers of various agricultural commodities not only in Capital Region but throughout the
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient - Rudolph Grob](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-rudolph-grob/) - Rudolph Grob, long-time director of the Association, was named the recipient of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association Annual Award for 2001 as well as a Life Membership in the Association in recognition of his extraordinary record of service and dedication to the Association. The announcement was made at the Annual Fruit and Vegetable Growers Dinner
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient - Boyd Mertz](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-boyd-mertz/) - The Association’s third Annual Award was presented to Boyd A. Mertz, past president and secretary-treasurer, at the Annual Fruit and Vegetable Growers Dinner on January 29, 2002, in Hershey during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Mertz, who was also granted a Life Membership, played an active leadership role in the Association for nearly forty
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient - Samuel Hayes Jr](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-samuel-hayes-jr/) - The “Simply Delicious” Produce Promotion Program which Hayes initiated has been of particular benefit to the fruit and vegetable industries. PVGA President John Mason, in presenting the award to Hayes, said: “While the “Simply Delicious” promotion in and of itself would qualify him for this award, he has also gone to bat for our industry
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2004 - Wilfred Richards](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipients-2004-wilfred-richards/) - Wilfred Richards of Dalton, Lackawanna County, received the 2004 PVGA Annual Award and a Life Membership in the Association. Richards faithfully served on the Association’s Board of Directors for 20 years. Not only did he so enjoy selling vegetable soup that he volunteered to work several days at the PVGA Farm Show booth, but he
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2005 - Daniel Schantz](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2005-daniel-schantz/) - Daniel Schantz of Zionsville, Lehigh County, received the 2005 PVGA Annual Award and a Life Membership in the Association for “his extraordinary record of service and leadership to the Association and the vegetable industry.” PVGA President Hilary Schramm, Jr., presented the award at the 2005 Fruit and Vegetable Growers Dinner at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2006 - Peter A. Ferretti](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2006-peter-a-ferretti/) - Dr. Peter Ferretti of Boalsburg, Centre Co. received the 2006 PVGA Annual Award and a Life Membership in the Association for “his extraordinary record of service and dedication to the Association and the vegetable growers of Pennsylvania.” PVGA President Hilary Schramm, Jr., presented the award at the 2006 Fruit and Vegetable Growers Dinner at the
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2007 - Alan A. MacNab](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2007-alan-a-macnab/) - Dr. Alan MacNab was the extension vegetable pathologist at Penn State for the last 35 years and was known by growers across the state for his presentations at both winter and summer extension grower meetings. He pioneered the development of tomato disease forecasting systems which enabled growers to lengthen their fungicide spray schedules when the
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2008 - Robert C. Trax](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2008-robert-c-trax/) - Trax is the president of Trax Farms, a family farm operation that has been operated by six generations of the family. He oversees the farming operations, where he has worked since graduating from high school in the 1940s. The farm includes 400 acres of land. The largest acreage crops are sweet corn, pumpkins, apples, peaches,
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2009 - Furmano Foods](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2009-furmano-foods/) - In 1921, J. W. Furman, a vegetable grower struggling to make a go of it on a farm that the neighbors said even the crows packed a lunch before flying over it was discouraged because a local store owner wouldn’t buy his abundant harvest of tomatoes at the height of the season. The store owner
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2010 - Keith Eckel](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2010-keith-eckel/) - Keith Eckel is the owner of Fred W. Eckel Sons and president of Eckel Farms, Inc. in Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County. He is a former Director of the Association. A Pennsylvania Master Farmer, Eckel was chairman of the board of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., the parent company of one of the largest diversified insurance and
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2011 - Michael D. Orzolek](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2011-michael-d-orzolek/) - Dr. Michael Orzolek, Professor of Vegetable Crops at Penn State University Mike Orzolek is a well-recognized leader in the field of olericulture or more commonly known as vegetable production. As a young man he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Alliance College. He then went on to attend the University of West
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2012 - John Mason](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2012-john-mason/) - John Mason is the owner of Mason Farms in Lake City and former President of the Association. Mason, who was also granted a Life Membership, is an Erie County fruit and vegetable grower who currently farms over 400 acres. In 1974, he and his wife started with approximately 100 acres of processing tomatoes and field
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2013 - Kathleen Demchak](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2013-kathleen-demchak/) - Kathleen Demchak is a native of Clearfield County and majored in Horticulture at Penn State. She then went on to pursue a Master of Science degree at Virginia Tech where she worked with Dr. Ronald Morse on strip mine soil reclamation for vegetable crops. Kathy then returned to Penn State in 1983 to work as
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2014 - Richard Pallman](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2014-richard-pallman/) - Richard Pallman graduated from Penn State with an agronomy degree, and then, he, along with his father and brothers, developed the family farm in Clarks Summit into what was once one of the largest fresh market tomato operations in Pennsylvania. They also developed a 15 acre pick-your-own strawberry operation and a retail turkey business growing and
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2016 - Boots Hetherington](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2016-boots-hetherington/) - Barron "Boots" Hetherington served as a Director of the Association for 24 years from 1982 to 2012 including two years as President from 2000 to 2001 and has been involved in many other agricultural leadership positions through the years. He is co-owner with his wife Robin of B & R Farms in the northwestern corner of
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2017 - William Lamont Jr](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2017-william-lamont-jr/) - Dr. William Lamont Jr is Professor of Horticulture and Extension Vegetable Crops Specialist at Penn State University and is retiring in 2017. He was born and raised in rural Pennsylvania and obtained an undergraduate degree in Economics and Business from Lebanon Valley College. He then served in United States Navy on active duty from 1967
- [PVGA Annual Reward Recipient 2018 - Kenneth Martin](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-reward-recipient-2018-ken-martin/) - Kenneth Martin of Furmano Foods received the 2018 PVGA Annual Award at the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Banquet at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Hershey on January 30. PVGA Annual Award is given each year to someone who has built an outstanding record of service and dedication to the Association and/or the vegetable,
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2019 - Timothy Weiser](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2019-timothy-weiser/) - Tim graduated from Bermudian Springs High School. Growing up on a fruit farm, one of his first jobs on the farm was watering young fruit trees after school. Because he wanted to see a different part of the country, Tim headed to Kansas where he earned a degree in Industrial Education at McPherson College in 1972. Returning
- [Find PA Produce](https://www.pvga.org/find-pa-produce/) - Directory of Farm Markets and Farmers' Markets - a searchable directory of direct marketing sales outlets across Pennsylvania so consumers can easily find growers and markets in their local area. Directory of CSAs - a searchable directory of CSAs across Pennsylvania. Directory of Wholesale Growers - a directory of growers for wholesale buyers listed by crop. Directory
- [Leadership](https://www.pvga.org/leadership/) - PVGA's Board of Directors is made up of 18 members, 15 who are are elected by the general membership of the association in a mail ballot and three who are elected by the board to help ensure diversity, desired expertise, and representation of different geographic areas and industries within the membership. Six of the directors
- [Pennsylvania Simply Sweet Onion™](https://www.pvga.org/services/pennsylvanias-simply-sweet-onion/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association holds the trademark for the Pennsylvania Simply Sweet Onion, a premium brand of Pennsylvania-grown sweet onions. The Association licenses growers to grow certain varieties under specified conditions (plastic mulch with drip irrigation). Onions grown by licensed growers under these terms and which meet certain quality standards are allowed to be
- [Proceedings 25](https://www.pvga.org/proceedings-25/) - The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Proceedings are for the vegetable, potato, greenhouse, small fruit and general sessions.
- [Why Join PVGA?](https://www.pvga.org/joinpvgatoday/) - Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is dedicated to serving the vegetable, potato, and berry growers of PA. Click here to join today!! The association serves you by: Providing education opportunities for you Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers News – our own members only newsletter with practical and regulatory information for vegetable, potato and berry growers.PVGA Update – a
- [Local Twilight Meetings](https://www.pvga.org/local-meetings/) - PVGA partners with Penn State Extension and other organizations by sponsoring local twilight meetings and regional grower meetings as part of our effort to keep growers updated on the latest methods in profitable vegetable and small fruit production. Be sure to take advantage of these unique opportunities to experience the thriving operations of your peers
- [Email Update](https://www.pvga.org/email-update/) - The Association sends its PVGA Update to all members who provide their email address to the Association. The Update features links to information or articles of interest to growers, announcements of upcoming events and a classified section. When needed, such as during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, special Updates are issued mid-week or daily.
- [Vegetable Grower Resources](https://www.pvga.org/member-resources/vegetable-grower-resources/) - Sweet Corn Trapping Data Curcurbitt Downy Mildew Status Map Late Blight Report Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations - contains vegetable production information based on university, extension, and industry research, experience, and knowledge. Penn State Vegetable, Small Fruit and Mushroom Production Information – grower information from Penn State Ohio State VegNet - blog from Ohio State
- [Vegetable Recipes](https://www.pvga.org/vegetable-recipes/) - Recipes From the 2005 Pennsylvania “Simply Delicious” Vegetable Recipe Contest.
- [Connections](https://www.pvga.org/connections/) - The following websites offer valuable educational and marketing information for vegetable, potato, and berry growers.
- [Awards](https://www.pvga.org/services/) - The PVGA Annual Award is given to individuals to recognize them for their service and dedication to the vegetable, potato or berry industries.
- [Advocacy](https://www.pvga.org/representation/) - PVGA is the organized and common voice of the Pennsylvania vegetable, potato and berry industries.
- [PVGA Life Member - Donald Daum](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-donald-daum/) - Donald Daum retired in 1995 from Penn State University were he had been an extension agricultural engineer for over 27 years.
- [Education](https://www.pvga.org/education-old/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers News is a monthly newsletter published by the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association for its members .
- [Proceedings 24](https://www.pvga.org/mafvcproc24/) - The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Proceedings are for the vegetable, potato, greenhouse, small fruit and general sessions.
- [Contact](https://www.pvga.org/contact/)
- [Newsletter Advertising Information](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter-advertising-information/) - advertising-options-pdf1Download The deadline for both the November and January issue is November 7, 2016!Questions? Please contact William Troxell at 717-694-3596 or pvga@pvga.org or see the attached information sheet.
- [Member Record](https://www.pvga.org/member-record/) - B – bedding plant growerC – processorD – studentE – grower employeeF – fresh market vegetablesG – growerH – greenhouse vegetable growerI – cut flower growerK – small fruit growerL – tree fruit growerM – wine grape growerN – potato growerO – otherP – processing vegetable growerR – retailS – SupplierT – retiredU – university
- [Farm Market Tours](https://www.pvga.org/farm-market-tours/) - The Association normally helps sponsor the annual “Are You Crazy?” Retail Farm Market Tour each summer or fall and a Farm Market Tour the day before the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Below is the outline of the 2022 Farm Market Tour prior to the Mid-Atlantic Convention.
- [Education](https://www.pvga.org/education/) - Providing educational opportunities for Pennsylvania commercial vegetable, potato and berry growers is at the core our mission. We accomplish that goal through a number of different means. Newsletter – PVGA publishes its own bi-monthly newsletter, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers News. The current newsletter is mailed to members six times per year. If your business sells
- [Potato Grower Resources](https://www.pvga.org/member-resources/potato-grower-resources/) - The PVGA Potato Committee has compiled the following list of online resources available to commercial potato growers. Commercial Potato Production in North America (Potato Assn Of America) Mid-Atlantic Commercial Potato Production Guide includes weed, insect, and disease controls plus recommendations on soil fertility and variety selection. Updated every two years by land grant university specialists.
- [Mid-Atlantic Convention Marketing Program Planning Resources](https://www.pvga.org/mid-atlantic-convention-marketing-program-planning-resources/) - The following are resources for the Marketing Program Planning Meeting that will be scheduled for mid to late May. Programs from other meetings are included for comparison/suggestions/ideas purposes. Mid-Atlantic Convention Marketing Program Committee Agenda Volunteer Topics from Past Speakers Suggested Topics and Speakers from the Convention Survey and PVGA Program Task Force Great Lakes Expo
- [Research](https://www.pvga.org/research/) - This year, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will contribute $30,000 towards vegetable research and $4,869 for small fruit research. The Board of Directors budgeted $30,000 from the Association’s General Fund for vegetable research and $7,000 for small fruit research. Since 2021 the Association has also asked Pennsylvania PVGA members to consider making special donations to
- [Proceedings 23](https://www.pvga.org/23-proceedings/) - Click here for the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Proceedings for the vegetable, potato, greenhouse, small fruit and general sessions. Please note: This link is intended only for those persons who have registered with the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association for the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Convention or who have purchased access to these Proceedings. Please do not share this link
- [Proceedings 22](https://www.pvga.org/proceedings-22/) - Click here for the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Proceedings for the vegetable, potato, greenhouse, small fruit and general sessions. Please note: This link is intended only for those persons who have registered with the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association for the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Convention or who have purchased access to these Proceedings. Please do
- [PVGA Young Grower Award](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-young-grower-award/) - The following individuals have received the Association's Young Grower Award in recognition of an outstanding member under 35 who has been successful at growing and advancing/promoting the PA vegetable, potato or berry industry. 2023 - Kevin and Morgan Bond 2022 - Jennifer Glenister 2021 - Wyatt Schriver 2020 - Nick Lubecki and Wesley Nell 2019
- [Convention Planning Resources](https://www.pvga.org/convention-planning-resources/) - PVGA Convention Planning Task Force Agenda 23-03-28 Great Lakes Expo Program New Jersey Vegetable Growers Convention Program Southeast Fruit and Vegetable Conference New England Vegetable Conference Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Expo Illinois Specialty Growers Convention Program Ohio Growers Network
- [2021 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2021-newsletters/) - 2021 Newsletters January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2015 - Glenn Hetherington](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-annual-award-recipients/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2015-glenn-hetherington/) - Glenn Hetherington served as a Director of the Association for 30 years from 1982 to 2012 including two years as President from 1988 to 1990. Born in 1943, Glenn R. Hetherington, grew-up, played and worked on the 128 acre family vegetable growing operation in Ringtown, Schuylkill County. He graduated from Ringtown High School in 1961
- [Berry Grower Resources](https://www.pvga.org/member-resources/berry-grower-resources/) - PVGA Berry Growers Facebook Group - a forum for commercial berry growers to share production and marketing challenges and solutions among themselves. On Facebook, search for PVGA Berry Growers and ask to join the group or click the link above. Online Info Exchange - PVGA sponsors a monthly get-together for berry growers on the second Monday nigh
- [Grower Resources](https://www.pvga.org/member-resources/) - Resources for Vegetable Growers Resources for Potato Growers Resources for Berry Growers
- [Farm Show Food Booth](https://www.pvga.org/promotion/farm-show-food-booth/) - 2022 PVGA Farm Show Booth Quite Successful Like many other events this year, the 2022 Farm Show was unlike any other Farm Show. Attendance as measured by parking revenue was reported to be down by about 40% - confirmed by the sparse crowds observed inside the complex as compared to normal years. However, PVGA food
- [2019 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2019-newsletters/) - (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [2020 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2020-newsletters/) - (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [Promotion](https://www.pvga.org/promotion/) - PVGA is directly involved in promoting vegetables and berries at the Pennsylvania Farm Show with its Farm Show Food Booth. The Association also promotes Pennsylvania vegetables at Penn State's Ag Progress Days. The Association was also instrumental in the establishment of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program, a state marketing order for all vegetable
- [2020 Young Grower Awards](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-young-grower-award/2020-young-grower-awards/) - The winners of 2020 PVGA Young Grower Awards are Nick Lubecki of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County and Wesley Nell of Abbottstown in Adams County. This award is designed to recognize outstanding young growers in the vegetable, potato or berry industries. The winners were recognized at the PVGA Annual Meeting in Hershey. Nick Lubecki is the
- [2013 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2013-newsletters/) - 2013 Newsletters (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February April May June July August September October November December
- [Twilight Meetings, Tours and Field Days](https://www.pvga.org/local-meetings/twilight-meetings-tours-and-field-days/) - Don’t Miss These PVGA Sponsored Summer Educational Events The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association is sponsoring a series of educational events for growers across the state as part of our effort to keep growers updated on the latest methods in profitable vegetable and small fruit production. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities to get
- [Policy Resolutions](https://www.pvga.org/policy-resolutions/) - The following policy resolutions have been adopted by the General Membership at the Annual Meetings of the Association to set forth the position of the Association on various issues that impact the vegetable, potato and berry industries of the Commonwealth. They are reviewed each fall by the Government Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors,
- [2017 PVGA Young Grower Award](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-young-grower-award/2017-pvga-young-grower-award/) - Brandon Christner Receives the First PVGA Young Grower Award The winner of the first PVGA Young Grower Award is Brandon Christner of Dawson in Fayette County. This award is designed to recognize outstanding young growers in the vegetable, potato or berry industries. Brandon grew up on the farm and went to school from a farming
- [2018 PVGA Young Grower Award](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-young-grower-award/2018-pvga-young-grower-award/) - Peter Salerno receives 2018 PVGA Young Grower Award The winner of 2018 PVGA Young Grower Award is Peter Salerno III in Lehighton, Carbon County. This award is designed to recognize outstanding young growers in the vegetable, potato or berry industries. Peter, or PJ as his family calls him, attended Kutztown University where he majored in
- [2014 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2014-newsletters/) - 2014 Newsletters (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [2015 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/newsletters-2015/) - 2015 Newsletters (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [2017 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2017-newsletters/) - 2017 Newsletters (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [2016 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2016-newsletters/) - 2016 Newsletters (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [PVGA Annual Award Recipient 2020 - Shelby Fleischer](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-annual-award-recipient-2020-shelby-fleischer/) - This year’s Annual Award and a life membership in the Association were presented to Dr. Shelby Fleischer, Professor of Entomology at Penn State University for his 29 years of serving the vegetable growers of Pennsylvania as the vegetable extension entomologist. A native of Washington D.C., Fleischer attended St. Mary’s College in Maryland where he earned
- [Convention Videos](https://www.pvga.org/convention-videos/)
- [Update Member Record](https://www.pvga.org/update-member-record/)
- [Ag Progress Days Food Booth](https://www.pvga.org/promotion/ag-progress-days-food-booth/) - Ag Progress Days Booth Serves Up Plenty of Stir-Fry PVGA and the Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers Association (PSWGA) teamed up for the eighth year to operate a full-menu food booth at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. Total sales for both groups was the third highest sales. PVGA sales were over $7,400, also the third
- [Join Us](https://www.pvga.org/membership-join/) - This page and the content has been automatically generated for you to give you a basic idea of how a "Join Us" page should look like. You can customize this page however you like it by editing this page from your WordPress page editor.If you end up changing the URL of this page then make
- [Registration](https://www.pvga.org/membership-join/membership-registration/) - [swpm_registration_form]
- [Member Login](https://www.pvga.org/membership-login/) - [swpm_login_form]
- [Profile](https://www.pvga.org/membership-login/membership-profile/) - [swpm_profile_form]
- [Password Reset](https://www.pvga.org/membership-login/password-reset/) - [swpm_reset_form]
- [Reminder Email Cron Job](https://www.pvga.org/iv-reminder-email-cron-job-4/) - [iv_membership_reminder_email_cron]
- [Reminder Email Cron Job](https://www.pvga.org/iv-reminder-email-cron-job-3/) - [iv_membership_reminder_email_cron]
- [Reminder Email Cron Job](https://www.pvga.org/iv-reminder-email-cron-job-2/) - [iv_membership_reminder_email_cron]
- [Priorities and Policies](https://www.pvga.org/priorities-and-policies/) - 2021 State Legislative Priorities 2021 Federal Legislative Priorities 2021 New Policy Resolutons Complete Policy Resolutions
- [PVGA Membership and Contribution Form](https://www.pvga.org/pvga-membership-and-contribution-form/)
- [Newsletter Advertising Information](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter-advertising-info-2/) - Consider these Advertising Options: Click here for detailed information and current advertising rates. The Buyer’s Guide issue is distributed to our members and prospective members at local grower meetings throughout the winter and at the Mid-Atlantic Convention. Circulation is over 4,000! Deadline for ads is November 22. The November issue publicizing the 2021 Mid-Atlantic Fruit
- [2018 Newsletters](https://www.pvga.org/newsletter/2018-newsletters/) - 2018 Newsletters (months listed in red are available, click to view) January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [PVGA Life Member - Lee Stivers](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-lee-stivers/) - PVGA Life Member - Lee Stivers Lee Stivers, who recently retired as a Penn State Extension educator, was awarded a Life Membership in the Association by the Board of Directors in recognition of her long standing record of service and dedication to the vegetable growers of Pennsylvania. Lee started her career and interest in vegetable
- [TEST FORM](https://www.pvga.org/test-form/) - [URIS id=1781]
- [test](https://www.pvga.org/test-2/)
- [Success](https://www.pvga.org/success/) - Thank you for your submission! We'll be in contact with you soon!
- [Membership Registration Store Door](https://www.pvga.org/join/) - Thank you for your submission. Click here to continue on to our online "store" to pay your PVGA membership dues (and/or purchase 2017 Mid-Atlantic Convention Proceedings) but PLEASE read the following information first! PVGA Regular Membership ($50) is open to all owner, operators, and employees of vegetable, potato, and berry farm operations, processing firms and industry supplier
- [PVGA Life Member - Warren Thompson](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-warren-thompson/) - PVGA Life Member - Warren Thompson Warren Thompson, a former greenwrap tomato grower from Clarks Summit, served as Director of the Association for twenty years from 1974 to 1994. He also served as president from 1980 to 1981. He and his wife Anne had a business making home-made salsa and jellies.
- [PVGA Life Member - Ernest Bergman](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-ernest-bergman/) - PVGA Life Member - Ernest Bergman Dr. Ernest Bergman, Professor of Plant Nutrition at The Pennsylvania State University, has been awarded a Life Membership In the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association. President John Mason made the presentation during the annual Fruit and Vegetable Growers Banquet, January 27, 1987, in Hershey. The Directors of the Association voted
- [PVGA Life Member - Thomas Jurchak](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-thomas-jurchak/) - PVGA Life Member - Thomas Jurchak Thomas Jurchak retired in January 1995 as the Lackawanna County Extension Director. Although he wrote a regular column in the Lancaster Farming for dairy farmers, he was also very active in serving the vegetable growers of his area. He worked with growers and researchers from Penn State to develop
- [PVGA Life Member - William Baronner](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-william-baronner/) - PVGA Life Member - William Baronner Mr. Baronner is a past president of the Association and served over 30 years as a Director. He also headed the nominations and resolutions committee and has helped plan the program for the Hershey Conference. Mr. Baronner began growing vegetables and strawberries on 36 acres in 1939 for the wholesale
- [PVGA Life Member - Scott Guiser](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-scott-guiser/) - PVGA Life Member - Scott Guiser Scott, a native of Philadelphia, graduated from Penn State and began his extension career in 1979 in Wayne County. In 1980, he moved to the Bucks County office and served there until his retirement in 2014. He received his master’s degree in Horticulture in 1982 and the distinguished service award
- [PVGA Life Member - Robert Leiby](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-robert-leiby/) - PVGA Life Member - Robert Leiby Bob Leiby retired in 2013 as the County Extension Director in Lehigh County after having devoting years of service to the potato growers of the greater Lehigh Valley and beyond. Not only has he earned the respect of growers, but the extension agents that worked with him and under him
- [PVGA Life Member - Robert Black](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-robert-black/) - PVGA Life Member - Robert Black Robert Black of Thurmont, Maryland, is a second generation farmer who always wanted to be a farmer and currently farms in partnership with his sister as Catoctin Mountain Orchard. They have the third and fourth generation of their family working with them on their family’s 100-acre fruit and vegetable
- [PVGA Life Member - Louis Orient](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-louis-orient/) - PVGA Life Member - Louis Orient
- [PVGA Life Member - Jonathan Grace](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-jonathan-grace/) - PVGA Life Member - Jonathan Grace In 1937 on a family farm in Mercer County dating back to the 1830's, Jonathan “Jack” Grace, a fifth generation farm boy, was born. With this rich heritage running in his blood it is no wonder he has worked that farm his whole life; beginning by following his Father
- [PVGA Life Member - Jeffrey Mizer](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-jeffrey-mizer/) - PVGA Life Member - Jeffrey Mizer Jeffrey Mizer, horticultural extension agent for Snyder, Union, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties retired in 2009 after 35 years of service in Penn State Cooperative Extension. At his retirement dinner in August 2009, PVGA President Kenneth Martin presented him a certificate of Life Membership in the Association in recognition of
- [PVGA Life Member - Herb Pollock](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-herb-pollock/) - PVGA Life Member - Herb Pollock Herb Pollock of Indiana, Indiana County was the fifth generation raised on Green Park Farm, a dairy and potato farm located near Marion Center, Indiana County. His father Clark was among the first farmers in the state to make the 400-Bushel Club with potatoes. Herbert graduated from Marion Center
- [PVGA Life Member - Eric Oesterling](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-eric-oesterling/) - PVGA Life Member - Eric Oesterling Eric Oesterling retired in 2013 as a horticulture extension educator in Westmoreland County after 31 years of service to the fruit and vegetable growers of western PA. Not only did he work with commercial growers, but he also developed one of the strongest Master Gardener programs in the state,
- [PVGA Life Member - Edward Hopkins](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-edward-hopkins/) - PVGA Life Member - Edward Hopkins Edward C. Hopkins has been a leader in the vegetable industry in northeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 years. Besides serving as president of PVGA in 1970 and 1971, he served as a Director of the Association for many, many years. He also served for many years as President of
- [PVGA Life Member - David Zacherl](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-david-zacherl/) - PVGA Life Member - David Zacherl David Zacherl served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Association and was president of PVGA from 1978 to 1979. He served during the time when two of the most important decisions in the history of the Association were made In 1977 he was one of
- [PVGA Life Member - Cyril Smith](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-cyril-smith/) - PVGA Life Member - Cyril Smith Dr. Smith retired in June 1989, as Professor of Plant Nutrition at Penn State. A native of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, he came to State College 43 years ago as a Ph.D. candidate. A year later he joined the faculty in the Horticulture Department as an Instructor. He received
- [PVGA Life Member - Burton Hetherington](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-burton-hetherington/) - PVGA Life Member - Burton Hetherington Born and raised in the rolling mountains and valleys of East Central Pennsylvania, Burton Hetherington as a young boy accompanied his father on his market route in a neighboring coal town where his father sold raw milk, eggs, apples, and potatoes along with seasonal produce. By the time Burton
- [PVGA Life Member - Arthur Pallman](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-arthur-pallman/) - PVGA Life Member - Arthur Pallman Arthur Pallman was a mater farmer from Lackawanna County. Along with his three sons, he developed a successful farming operation that specializes in three major areas: greenwrap tomatoes, pick-your-own strawberries and custom dressed turkeys.
- [PVGA Life Member - Amos Funk](https://www.pvga.org/services/pvga-life-members/pvga-life-member-amos-funk/) - PVGA Life Member - Amos Funk Amos Funk was a well-known Lancaster County vegetable grower and roadside marketer. Mr. Funk served as the president of the Association on two different occasions for two-year terms. He retired as a PVGA director in 1974 after many years of leadership. Funk's Farm Market was a well-known landmark in
- [Grob Memorial Scholarship Award 2013 - Amy Metrick](https://www.pvga.org/services/scholarship/grob-memorial-scholarship-award-2013-amy-metrick/) - Grob Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2013, 2012, 2011 Amy Metrick, Butler daughter of Kenneth and Cathy Metrick Amy Metrick, who received a Grob scholarship the last two years, is the daughter of Ken and Cathy Metrick who operate Harvest View Farm in Mount Chestnut near Butler. She has completed her third year
- [Grob Memorial Scholarship Award 2013 - Morgan Hetherington](https://www.pvga.org/services/scholarship/grob-memorial-scholarship-award-2013-morgan-hetherington/) - Grop Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Morgan Hetherington, Ringtown daughter of Barron and Robin Hetherington Morgan Hetherington, who has received a Grob Scholarship the last three years, represents the seventh consecutive generation to live in the farm house built by her great, great, great grandfather. She is the daughter of Boots
- [Grob Memorial Scholarship Award 2016 - Lake Miller](https://www.pvga.org/services/scholarship/grob-memorial-scholarship-award-2016-lake-miller/) - Grob Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2016, 2015 Lake Miller, Stewartstown son of Mitchell and Staci Miller I would like to express my gratitude for the scholarship in which your association has awarded me for the 2016-2017 school year. It is received with an immense amount of honor and appreciation. I can assure
- [Grob Memorial Scholarship Award 2016 - Carville Mace Jr](https://www.pvga.org/services/scholarship/grob-memorial-scholarship-award-2016-carville-mace-jr/) - Grob Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2016, 2014 Carville Mace Jr, Littlestown son of Carville and Mary Anne Mace I want to thank the PVGA for awarding me the scholarship for 2016-2017. I am going into my 5th semester of college at Penn State in the fall. I am continuing towards the ultimate
- [Grob Memorial Scholarship Award 2015 - Nathan Sturges](https://www.pvga.org/services/scholarship/grob-memorial-scholarship-award-2015-nathan-sturges/) - Grob Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2015 Nathan Sturges, Beaver County son of Aaron Sturges Nathan has lived and worked on his family farm all his life. The Sturges grow 65 acres of various fruit and vegetable crops on their farm in Beaver County. He has been involved in the planting, maintaining, harvesting,
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- [Pennsylvania Vegetable Acreages](https://www.pvga.org/pennsylvania-vegetable-acreages/) - Pennsylvania Vegetable Acreages [table id=1 /]
- [Are You Crazy? Retail Farm Market Tour](https://www.pvga.org/education/are-you-crazy-retail-farm-market-tour/) - Highlights from the 2015 "Are You Crazy?" Retail Farm Market Tour Brian Moyer, Penn State Extension More than 40 retail farm marketers attended the 2015 “Are You Crazy” bus tour to southcentral PA, West Virginia, and Loudoun County Virginia. This year’s tour was ambitious with nine stops within two days. The Penn State Extension Direct
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- [2016 Summer Educational Events](https://www.pvga.org/summer-educational-events-15/) - 2016 Summer Educational Events The following events were sponsored at least partially by PVGA. They are designed to give you as a grower opportunities to get off your farm for a day or an evening to see how other growers are meeting production challenges. They also give you chance to visit with fellow growers and share ideas, problems
- [Membership Levels](https://www.pvga.org/membership-levels/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Join PVGA If you are involved in the Pennsylvania vegetable, potato or berry industries as a grower, employee, or supplier, we urge to join PVGA. You are the reason for PVGA. PVGA serves growers and allied industry personnel because it is made up of growers and industry personnel. But without the support and participation
- [Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers News](https://www.pvga.org/pennsylvania-vegetable-growers-news/) - The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers News is a monthly newsletter published by the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association for its members featuring 24 or more pages of news articles on current events in the Pennsylvania produce and agricultural industries as well as pertinent legislative and labor issues plus educational articles on marketing, vegetable production, potato production, berry
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- [New Policy Resolutions](https://www.pvga.org/representation/new-policy-resolutions/) - The following policy resolutions were adopted by the General Membership at the Annual Meeting of the Association on January 29, 2014, to set forth the position of the Association on various issues that impact the vegetable, potato and berry industries of the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania State University Supporting the current practice of six trustees
- [Federal Legislative Priorities for 2014](https://www.pvga.org/representation/federal-legislative-priorities-for-2014/) - Food Safety Good Agricultural Practices, Produce Traceability – We support safe food production systems, but the Food Safety Moderization Act rules must not be so burdensome so as to prevent our small growers from competing in the marketplace for negligible improvements in food safety. Labor Issues Immigration and Farm Labor Reform – Our members
- [State Legislative Priorities for 2014](https://www.pvga.org/representation/state-legislative-priorities-for-2014/) - Food Safety Good Agricultural Practices – We support safe food production systems, but these mandates should not be so burdensome so as to prevent our small growers from competing in the marketplace for negligible improvement in food safety. While we oppose state food safety regulations that duplicate federal regulations, we do support the Pennsylvania Department

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