PASA - Western Programs:

PASA's direct marketing program in western Pennsylvania encompasses the following nineteen counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland. Here is a description of our current activities and projects. Please write or call for more information or to become involved.

Farmer-to-Chef
The Farmer-to-Chef project connects growers with local chefs to provide fresh, more personalized menu possibilities for chefs and profitable marketing opportunities for farmers.

Community Supported Agriculture
CSA's provide farmers with the opportunity to diversify their marketing operations. At the same time, consumers can enjoy a consistent supply of local farm products. PASA provides consumers in the region with CSA farm information while providing farms with the technical assistance they require for starting a CSA.

Local Food Lunches and Dinners
In collaboration with PASA's Farm-to-College program, the western regional office brings food service personnel and farmers together to develop local food lunches and dinners. These events provide an opportunity for farmers, food service staff, faculty and students to meet and discuss the use of locally produced foods at their college. Participants are also provided information on where to find local food outlets in their communities.

Farmers' Markets
Farmers' Markets continue to be the sole marketing outlet for many western Pennsylvania farmers. In order to increase consumer awareness of these markets, PASA provides technical support and advertising money to select markets throughout the region. We are also producing a Consumer Guide for the 2004 season, to help consumers locate these markets more easily.

Buy Local Campaign
The Buy Local Campaign is helping local consumers support local farmers by giving consumers information on where to buy locally produced products. The Campaign is partnering with community groups, local media, businesses, and area governments to distribute local farm and product information to the public. Later this summer, you will be able to go to www.buylocalpa.org to discover outlets selling local food in western Pennsylvania.

PASA Field Days
PASA Field Days have proven to be a successful way for experienced and beginning farmers to share information about sustainable agriculture. Working with PASA's Farm-Based Education program, the western regional office supports field days that offer farmer-to-farmer education and learning opportunities for others interested in local sustainable agriculture.

Let's Work Together
We're eager to hear from you. Please contact:

Julie Inman
Marketing Manager
Email: julie@pasafarming.org

Western Regional Office
650 Smithfield St., Suite 1160
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 697-0411
Fax: (412) 232-3115