Lancaster County Center of Excellence in Production Agriculture

Mission Overall, the mission of the Lancaster County Center of Excellence in Production Agriculture is to assure that the agricultural community in Lancaster County advances its competitive position in the global economy through a wide array of new and existing programs that enhance the competitive advantages of local businesses and contribute to the success of the local economy.

Activities It does this by… Encouraging local research and development activities in support of the needs of the industry locally; Bringing advances in agriculture to the local producer and processor communities through a series of technology transfer activities; Enabling entrepreneurs to explore new ideas and start new enterprises; Assuring that the current workforce in agriculture is prepared to use the latest technologies that are available through a variety of new and existing education and training offerings; Promoting the development of a pipeline of qualified workers that move from school to work on a regular basis.

Collaboration An agenda identified by the Blue Ribbon Commission In a structure that is a part of the Lancaster Prospers initiative Funded by the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board Staffed by the Lancaster Chamber

Partners Blue Ribbon Commission on Agriculture Lancaster Prospers Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry Lancaster County Cooperative Extension Service Economic Development Company Library System of Lancaster County Lancaster County Conservation District

Governance Steering Committee Seven members Meets monthly Advisory Council 30 members Meets quarterly Councils Producers Council Manure Council Renewable Energy Council

Councils Producers Council Giving producers a voice in the programming of the Center Manure Council Facilitates discussion related to the issues around manure management Renewable Energy Council Transfers information from the research world to the producer world

Projects Keeping the Skills of our Workers Current Dairy Poultry Environment Improving the Efficiency of our Farming Operations DART PA Dairy Summit Dairy Alliance Middle Managers Conference Poultry Progress Days Nutrient Management Planning Developing Conservation Plans Supporting Innovation Manure Council Renewable Energy Council Encouraging and Educating Young People for Agriculture Careers Staying Competitive in the Marketplace Buy Fresh, Buy Local

A New Website Meeting notices Links and other resources Schedule of training and other activities Manure blog

Contact Gary Willier Lancaster Chamber (717) Ext 134 Scott Sheely Lancaster Co. Workforce Investment Board (717)