communityspotlight


Farm Based Education and Outreach PASA’s mission reaches thousands through a variety of chan- nels aimed toward education, outreach and participation. Each year, numerous Farm Based Education (FBE) programs are held throughout the state-from field days and work shops to the annual Farming for the Future conference. Each offers insight into real- life agricultural operations and gives farmers a chance to learn from other farm- ers who have learned through experience. The goal


PASA: Ensuring Farmers Futures Suyundalla Farms - Coplay


by Beth Davis


ustainability might be among the hot trends of the past several years, but the Pennsylvania Association for Sus- tainable Agriculture (PASA) has been working hard at it for almost 20 years. Established in 1992, PASA grew out of the need for an educational and support system for farmers–both experienced and beginning–interested in non-traditional agricultural practices such as organic, biodynamic and grass- based farming, as well as the desire to create local markets for such sustainably produced food.


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Transforming Agriculture and Food Systems Now, PASA is the largest statewide, member-based farm- ing organization in the United States with approximately 6,000 members consisting of farmers, restaurants, colleges, businesses, mothers, activists, students and individuals all committed to the same goal. The group’s consistent and driv- ing vision has always been to transform agriculture and food systems in Pennsylvania and beyond in a way that makes farmers more viable, improves the land and restores the health and well being of consumers.


Community Collaboration


According to membership director, Michele Gauger, al- though the organization is a nonprofit in structure, it’s entre- preneurial in spirit. “We use our resources carefully to work collaboratively with others in achieving measurable results where we can, without compromising our values,” she says. “For us, success is defined as the dual process of achieving our mission now while also building capacity to impact the future for many generations to come.”


30 Lehigh Valley www.healthylehighvalley.com


of PASA’s Farm Based Education programming is to empower farmers


Keepsake Farms and Dairy - Northampton


to implement practices that improve farm profitability (there- by preserving local farmland and small family farmers) and reduce the farm’s environmental impact while producing safe and healthy food for the community. The annual Farming for the Future conference began as a two-day event in 1992 and has since grown into a nearly weeklong experience with approximately 2,000 participants. The conference features numerous workshops with topics ranging from pastured- based livestock production, integrated pest management and organic vegetable production to human nutrition, renewable energy and environmental policy.


Building Consumer Awareness


Recognizing that farming extends beyond the fields, PASA also works to build consumer awareness about food safety and nutritional issues through education and advocacy, and by networking with other consumer groups, nonprofit orga- nizations and government agencies throughout the state and nation.


Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL)


One of the most notable programs coordinated by PASA is the twelve Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) chapter in Pennsyl- vania. BFBL celebrates fresh, locally grown food including vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, farmstead cheeses, varietal wines, pasture-raised lamb, poultry, honey and much more. According to Greater Lehigh Valley chapter coordina- tor, Lynn Prior, the program’s objective is to make it easier for consumers to find, choose and appreciate local foods while supporting the farmers and lands that produce them. “Wherever you see the Buy Fresh Buy Local label and logo, whether it is in a store, market or restaurant, you know you have found a business committed to supporting local food and farmers.”


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