The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program provides assistance to specialty crop operations that incurred eligible on-farm food safety

program expenses in 2024 and 2025.

Develop a biosecurity plan to safeguard your herd and comply with Pennsylvania guidelines at this open house event with expert guidance.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 12:30 p.m.: Explore the fascinating world of mycorrhizal fungi and uncover the truth behind common misconceptions in this engaging webinar. Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in helping trees and plants access essential nutrients, forming intricate relationships with individual plants and even spreading across vast forest ecosystems. However, misinformation about these unique organisms is widespread. Join us to gain a clear understanding of mycorrhizal fungi, the challenges scientists face in studying them, and their essential functions within forest health.

Note: If you cannot attend the live webinar, register to receive a link to the recorded webinar, which will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

Thursday, Jan. 16 | Noon: Are you a farmer or food business owner starting a new enterprise, expanding your current operation, or seeking financing to grow to the next level? A solid business plan is essential. But what exactly is a business plan, and how can it shape your marketing and management practices? What do funders expect before making an investment? Join us for a brief lunchtime webinar to kick off the new year and jumpstart your new or updated business plan. Participants will receive helpful templates to guide them toward success.

Wednesday, Jan. 22 – Wednesday, March 12: Join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2025 Penn State Extension Crops Conferences and Crops Days! These educational programs, held at 12 in-person locations and virtually, will feature expert-led sessions on crop management, emerging technologies, and best practices in agriculture. All events offer pesticide applicators the opportunity to earn a minimum of two Core and two Category credits, with additional agronomic topics varying by location. These events provide valuable networking opportunities for participants and businesses alike.

Wednesday, Jan. 22 | Noon: Proper inspection and maintenance of well and spring systems are vital for protecting your family’s health and maintaining the integrity of your agricultural operations. Efficiently functioning water systems safeguard your property from potential contamination while preserving the quality of shared groundwater resources essential for farming and the broader ecosystem. Routine upkeep not only helps prevent costly repairs but also supports sustainable water use, ensuring these critical resources remain viable for future generations.

Saturday, Jan. 25 | 10 a.m.: Berks Nature is partnering with Penn State Extension's Master Gardeners for this special workshop all about collecting and storing seeds!

Friday, Jan. 28: Attend the 56th Annual Lancaster Cattle Feeders Day to learn about market trends, risk management and biosecurity, with lunch and networking opportunities included.

Wednesday, Feb. 5 - Friday, Feb. 7: Our annual Conference, entering its 34th year, draws a diverse audience of rural and urban farmers, educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, community groups, artisans, researchers, policymakers, home cooks and gardeners, youth, and others for three days of learning on sustainable agriculture and food system topics.

Thursday, Feb. 20 | 9 a.m.: Discover strategies to navigate the challenges of extreme weather at the Commercial Tree Fruit School, a premier educational program tailored for commercial tree fruit growers and pesticide applicators. This year’s theme, Overcoming Drought and Deluge, addresses the pressing impact of Pennsylvania’s fluctuating climate, from severe droughts to heavy rainfall and exceptional temperatures. Join industry experts as they share actionable insights and research-based solutions to promote a robust harvest of high-quality fruit despite weather-related uncertainties.