Delaware Valley University to Host Public Forum on Farming

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Delaware Valley University is partnering with the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance to host a public forum on the current challenges and opportunities in farming in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The 2019 Farmer Forum will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 13 in the University’s Life Sciences Building from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests do not need to register in advance and the event is open to the general public. 

“The 2019 Farmer Forum is designed to provide valuable information and discussion for anyone who is interested in farming or, the local food system,” said Delaware Valley University Professor of Horticulture Dr. Jackie Ricotta. “The forum is expected to attract area residents who are interested in local food, local farmers, food purveyors, chefs, and restauranteurs.”

Dr. Ricotta recently worked with DelVal Dean of Business and Humanities Dr. Tanya Casas and Marian Rubin '16, MPP '18, a DelVal Master of Public Policy student, to survey Bucks County farmers to learn more about the state of the local farming community. The farmer survey, entitled, “Integrating Food, Farming and Human Values: Farmer Perceptions on their Role in Sustaining Agriculture in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,” will be presented at the forum. 

The extensive, 62-question survey was completed by 26 Bucks County farmers. The survey provides an in-depth look at some of the current issues farmers are dealing with as well as some of the solutions they are finding to challenges. Questions in the survey included topics such as employees, land ownership, farmland preservation programs, farm size, production, organic certification, farming practices, value-added products, and resources. Farmers were also asked about their perceptions of success and future trends in farming and the local food system. 

Guests will also have a chance to hear a presentation on farming from the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance, network with other participants, and ask questions about farming. There will also be light refreshments. 
 
Event Schedule:
7 p.m. – Meet and Greet
7:10 p.m.– Welcome, Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Dr. Broc Sandelin
7:20 p.m. – Bucks County Foodshed Alliance Presentation 
7:40 p.m.– Review of Delaware Valley University’s 2018 Bucks County Farmer Survey
8 p.m. to 9 p.m.- Q & A with the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance and DelVal, followed by networking and social time