This year’s theme: “Always Essential: Strengthening Lancaster County Agriculture after COVID-19”

2020 Schedule of Events

Monday, October 5, 2020

9:00-10:30 am

Announcement of Agricultural Literacy Project by the Ag Council and the North Museum

(sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit, New Holland North America, Blakinger|Thomas)

The rollout of the Jointly-Produce Agriculture Literacy Materials

Location: North Museum, 400 College Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603

Target audience: general public, elementary and middle school teachers, parents of young

people in grades K-8

Press release and request for coverage with the announcement of how to connect virtually…

https://northmuseum.org/ag-week/

Timeframe: 9:00-10:30 am

Hosted by George Cook, Chair, Lancaster County Ag Council, and Andrea Rush, Executive

Director, North Museum

Program (20-30 minutes beginning at 9:15)

– Short ceremony with invited dignitaries

o George Cook, Chair, Lancaster County Ag Council, and Andrea Rush, Executive

Director, North Museum

o Gary Swan and Representative Barbara Gleim, PA Commission for Agricultural

Education Excellence

o Jack Coleman, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks

o Jessica Herr, Secretary; Emma Musser, Chaplain; PA FFA Organization

– Tour of the new exhibits in the Museum (9:45-10:15)

– Press conference at 10:15 am

12:00-1:30 pm

Farmer’s Luncheon (sponsored by Flintrock Farm and Stables; Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit)

A Review of Programs for Agriculture (highlighting COVID-Related Aid) and Business Issues in Agriculture in Lancaster County during the Pandemic

Location: Virtual via Zoom ( mailto:info@lancasteragcouncil.com to request a Zoom invitation)

Target audience: farmers and people in agribusiness

Featured in LNP pullout and Lancaster Farming; press release and request for coverage to other

media outlets

Timeframe: 12:00-1:30 pm

Hosted by Chris Thompson

Program in three parts (90-120 minutes)

– Poll related to participation of attendees in public programs

– A review of COVID-related programs for farming and farm-related operations (Josh

Scheinberg, PA Department of Agriculture; USDA, Lisa Riggs, Economic Development

Company and Recovery Lancaster)

o Small Business Recovery and Sustainability Fund (Recovery Lancaster)

o COVID-19 Supply Kit (Recovery Lancaster)

o Dairy Assistance Indemnity Program (PDA)

o Fresh Food Financing Initiative COVID-19 Relief Fund (PDA)

o Paycheck Protection Program (SBA)

o Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (USDA)

o Farmers to Families Food Box Program (USDA)

– Continuing assistance programs related to conservation (Chris Thompson and Kevin

Lutz, Lancaster County Conservation District)

o Conservation Excellence Grant

o REAP

o Phase II Chesapeake Bay Compliance Program

– Things to Remember for the Year End of an Unusual Year: Tips from Accountants and

Bankers (Mike Peachey and Dale Hershey)

– Questions and answers

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

3:30-5:00 pm

Celebration of the Work of the Lancaster County Agriculture Council (sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit and Star Rock Farms)

Location: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, 150 Cherry Hill Rd, Ronks, PA 17572

Target audience: Council members, supporters, elected officials, community leadership,

prospective donors

Limited invitation by e-mail; press release and request for coverage

Timeframe: 3:30-5:00 pm

Hosted by George Cook, Chair and Mary Henry, Chair-Elect; Lancaster County Agriculture

Council

Program in three parts (30-45 minutes)

– A review of the accomplishments of the Ag Council in 2020 including participation in

Recovery Lancaster (George Cook)