LEESPORT ---- A “Get the Facts on Farm Programs” meeting was held Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Berks County Agricultural Center’s Auditorium.  Information on programs to assist the farm community was reviewed by federal and county offices.

 

“This was the first time we used this ‘one-stop shopping’ approach in getting the word out to Berks County’s farmers on programs designed to help them,” noted Sheila Miller, agricultural coordinator.  “Since summer is a busy time of year for everyone involved in agriculture, we wanted to optimize their time and get the facts to them on the farm programs.”

 

The newly enacted Federal Farm Bill was one of the key topics discussed by the United States Department of Agriculture staff, along with other assistance programs administered by the Farm Service Agency.  Conservation and nutrient management planning and related assistance programs were reviewed by Natural Resources and Conservation Service staff and the Berks County Conservation District.  A state program called Resource Enhancement And Protection Program (REAP) was explained and farmers were reminded about the early August deadline for applying.  The Berks Agricultural Land Preservation Program staff was on hand to talk about preserving farmland.

 

The agricultural agencies wish to thank the following businesses for their contributions toward the event:  Fulton Bank, Reading Kubota Inc., and Kathy Barry Insurance Agency.

 

Some of the information presented at the July meeting can be found by following the above links.  For further information, call 610-898-5482 or 610-478-7158.