While attendance rises and conference related expenses increase PASA is making every effort to keep rates affordable. The Brownback Memorial Scholarship Fund continues to expand and help new farmers attend the conference and as in the past, people with time to give before and after the conference can trade labor for a reduction in conference rates. For 8 hours or more of volunteer time, WorkShare Program participants can reduce their registration fees. New this year is the Southeast PA Agriculture Industry Partnership, which is targeted to help Southeast PA Farmers offset conference costs.

Arias M. Brownback Memorial Scholarship

The Arias M. Brownback Memorial Scholarship Fund scholarships are available for new and developing farmers who demonstrate a financial need to support continuing education in sustainable agriculture. Conference scholarships will be awarded for up to the full cost of the two-day main conference registration fees plus a one-year PASA membership of the appropriate level. This scholarship does not include lodging or meals.

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must:

1. Be currently developing a sustainable farming enterprise or currently farming.
2. Demonstrate a financial need to support continuing education in sustainable agriculture.
3. Be willing to describe what you learned at the conference and how you plan to use your new-found knowledge.
4. Successfully complete the attached application and return it by the January 9th deadline.

A completed registration form must accompany your scholarship application so that PASA knows which days and meals you plan to attend.  Applications and registrations are due by January 8, 2010. Please DO NOT submit payment with your registration.  PASA will invoice you once your scholarship amount has been determined. All scholarship applicants will be notified of awards by January 22, 2010.

Applicants are not guaranteed a scholarship.  All applicants will remain eligible for early-bird registration (a $10 discount off full registration price) if a scholarship is not awarded.

Southeast PA Agriculture Industry Partnership

Aimed at Southeast PA farmers, the Southeast PA Agriculture Industry Partnership, an initiative of the Chester County Workforce Investment Board and the Chester County Economic Development Council, with grant funds received from the PA Department of Labor and Industry will help offset costs to attend the Farming for the Future conference. Preference will be given to residents of following counties: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.

WorkShare Program

As part of our dedication to making the conference accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation, PASA is once again offering the WorkShare Program as a way to reduce conference costs. Fill out the WorkShare Application Form and email the completed form to anna@pasafarming.org. A deposit of 25% of estimated conference fees is required to secure your registration.

We need volunteers and WorkShares starting a month before the conference! Mostly, we need help Monday – Friday, 9-5 in our Millheim offices for the month of January, and everyday starting Friday, January 29th through the end of the conference on Saturday, February 6, both in Millheim and at the Penn Stater Conference Center.

Non-local residents will find it difficult to complete more than 8 hours as a WorkShare. You cannot use WorkShare time towards the cost of meals. We will contact to you to confirm the receipt of your application and registration. You will receive more detailed information closer to the conference once a volunteer schedule is available, and will be required to confirm the hours you are scheduled.

Compensation is made to WorkShares at the following levels:

    • 6 hours work-share time (25% discount on registration fees, or 15%
      discount on pre-conference tracks plus registration)
    • 12 hours work-share time (50% discount on registration fees, or 25%
      discount on pre-conference tracks plus registration)
    • 18 hours work-share time (75% discount on registration fees, or 40%
      discount on pre-conference tracks plus registration)
    • 24+ hours work-share time (100% discount on registration fees, or 40%
      discount on pre-conference tracks plus registration)