Frequently Asked Questions
About PASA
What is PASA and what do we do?
In existence since 1992, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) continues working to bring farmers together to learn from each other, and to build relationships between those farmers and consumers looking for fresh, wholesome, locally and sustainably produced food.
PASA works to increase the number of farms and the economic viability of existing farms in Pennsylvania to maximize consumer awareness and access to safe and healthy food that is locally grown and to develop a strong constituency for preserving farms, farmers and a thriving agrarian culture. We all have a stake in making sure agriculture has a healthy future. Be a part of PASA!
What does it mean to be a member of PASA?
Membership in PASA welcomes you into a network of people who actively share and learn from each other about innovative, conservation-oriented production practices, community building and marketing strategies. You too can be a part of channels we are building to link farmers with farmers, farmers with consumers and consumers with markets.
A few of the several benefits you receive from becoming a member of PASA are:
- A subscription to our bimonthly, Passages newsletter
- Discounted admission to our annual conference, as well as field day & intensive learning programs
- Invitations to other special events, such as membership potlucks & Harvest Celebration dinners
- Free classified ad and discounted display advertising in Passages
- Voting privileges for board of director elections & bylaws
- Membership networking opportunities
- Complimentary annual membership in the Good Food Neighborhood™ program for consumers (separate online registration required)
- Discounts on Buy Fresh Buy Local® partner fees (coordinated through local chapters)
- Assistance with Food Alliance sustainable certification (if applicable)
- The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping sustain agriculture in your region
Agriculture Related Topics
What is sustainable agriculture?
First and foremost, sustainable agriculture is a philosophy or an attitude adopted by the farmer in question, usually characterized by an intention to operate the farm holistically with respect to the context in which it is situated (environment, community, etc.) and to show continuous improvement in doing so.
Ultimately, any sustainable farmer/farm is attempting to achieve the best possible agricultural result over the longest time span imaginable. In this sense, sustainability is simply the opposite of simplistic, short-term thinking of any kind, and stands in contrast to programs that, for instance, merely preserve farmland.
The technical definition of sustainable agriculture is the successful employment of farming practices that achieve three things at once, without diminishing any one of them: economic viability, environmental soundness, social responsibility.
What does 'organic' mean?
Organic farming is an approach to agriculture where the aim is to create integrated, humane, environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural production system. Reliance is put on locally or farm-derived renewable resources and management of self-regulating ecological and biological processes and interactions. Reliance on external inputs, whether chemical or organic, is reduced as far as possible.
How can I become certified organic?
The United States Department of Agriculture requires that anyone who produces, processes or handles organic agricultural products must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifier in order to sell, label or represent their products as "organic." To become certified, an organic producer, processor or handler must develop, implement and maintain an organic system plan.
There are many certifying organizations across the country, one of which is Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO). PCO can provide information needed to develop an organic system plan. Once an organic system plan is approved, PCO sends a qualified organic inspector to perform an onsite evaluation of the organic operation. Then, based on review of the organic system plan, inspection report and related documents, PCO will determine whether the operation meets the requirements of organic certification. A certified operation must update its organic system plan and be inspected annually. For more information on organic certification visit: http://www.paorganic.org/
What does 'grass-fed' or 'pasture-raised' mean?
Grass-fed or pasture-raised livestock have had continuous access to pasture throughout their lives and have never been confined to a feedlot where movement is limited. This type of livestock typically spends about 80% or more of their lives with access to fresh forage as the primary energy source.
The end product results in leaner meats compared to grain-fed livestock, containing less saturated fat and a higher proportion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 fatty acids - 'good' fats that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs take many forms, but typically members, also called 'share-holders' of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover anticipated costs of the farm/garden operation and farmers. salary. In a sense the farm/garden becomes 'owned' by the members, while sharing in risks and benefits of food production. In return these shareholders receive the farm/garden’s bounty. The central aspect of CSAs is to take a shared commitment to build a more local and sustainable agricultural system. To find a CSA in your area visit our links page.
What is a cooperative?
A cooperative is a business and is generally distinguished from other types of businesses by its governance and profit distribution. Members govern the cooperative, usually through a democratic process. Profits generated by the cooperative are returned to the members based upon their use of the cooperative's services.
What is the definition of raw milk?
Raw milk has not been heated above a cow's highest healthy body temperature which is no more than 101 degrees F (38 degrees C) nor frozen, has not been altered with additives, chemicals, light or homogenization.
To view a list of currently licensed raw milk producers in PA, click here
Purchasing Food
Why is it important to buy locally?
Much of our food supply travels on average about 1,500 miles from the farm where it was grown to your table. Ensuring our food can endure the rigors of this travel, it is often harvested before ripe or preserved in some other manner during its trip to the store.
Locally produced foods in your area are likely to taste better and be fresher. Purchasing items from local producers also strengthens local economies as more money spent on these items stays in your community and supports your regional family farmers. Buying locally can be better for your health and helps to protect the environment.
What is 'Buy Fresh Buy Local'?
The Buy Fresh Buy Local® campaign is a national effort being coordinated by The FoodRoutes Network. The primary objective of the Buy Fresh Buy Local® campaign is to create a nationally recognized, brand-name identity for locally grown food, as a way of differentiating such products from the mainstream.
The Buy Fresh Buy Local® campaign in Pennsylvania is being coordinated by PASA. To learn more about the Buy Local campaign in Pennsylvania, visit www.buylocalpa.org.
Where can I find locally produced food?
PASA has been working hard to create a comprehensive PA local food guide based at www.buylocalpa.org. Visit the site to find local food outlets, list your farm or business, network with other locavores, find recipes and much more as part of the Good Food Neighborhood™.
How can I encourage my local schools to use local food?
Various farm to school programs have sprung up all across the country and forming relationships between local farmers and school dining services can be tricky. It is important to first think in 'baby steps', don't try to overhaul the entire food service system in one year.
It is important to build a consensus at your school - meaning get a group of interested students involved, parents, teachers, etc. that can help build the case for purchasing more locally produced foods. Then form a relationship with your food service director, this person can provide you with the knowledge of the obstacles in beginning a local foods project. Once these roadblocks are understood you should then find local farmers that may be interested in participating. PASA can help to locate farmers in your area that may be willing to work with your school. Remember that ultimately most of the work is going to fall upon the group who is pushing for local food.
To learn more about Farm to School and Farm to College programs in the United States visit the site for the Community Food Security Coalition at http://www.foodsecurity.org/
Farm & Farmer Topics
How can I find a farm to purchase?
PASA's newsletter sometimes includes farms for sale or rent in various areas across the state. You might also contact local real estate agencies, conservation district or cooperative extension offices that may know of farms in the area for sale.
Is there financial assistance to purchase land or a farm?
Search the Directory of Programs and Services for Northeast New Farmers using keywords such as credit, loans, lending, grants for resources on this topic.
Here is a sample of resources:
- For Farm Loans, investigate Farm Credit Services and the USDA Farm Service Agency.
- Search online for Commercial Lenders; places to start might include www.c-loans.com and www.mortgage101.com.
- http://www.govbiz.com/ (reference book)
- Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE SARE) has a grants program for farmers interested in testing new ideas and farm techniques.
- Building Better Rural Places is an index of federal grant and loan programs for agriculture and rural development available through ATTRA.
- Community Development Corporations: you can find them through your local Chamber of Commerce, or the National Congress for Community Economic Development.
- The Foundation Center has an extensive listing of foundation and grant opportunities in all areas.
Can you help me find a farm to do an internship with?
Many PASA-member farms offer types of internships or apprenticeships. Check out the Employment section of this website and announcements listed in the PASA newsletter.
Starting a farmers' market?
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania has a useful guide for those interested in starting a farmers' market. A PDF is available for download at this address:
http://www.ruralpa.org/FarmMkt.pdf
Where can I find help with forming a cooperative?
The Keystone Development Center, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to forming and enhancing cooperatives in rural areas, recently released the Pennsylvania Guide to Cooperative Development Resources. The 40-page guide provides detailed information and lists of resources for individuals and groups who are looking to form or sustain a cooperative. For a copy of the guide, visit the center's website at www.kdc.coop, call 215-292-1461 or e-mail smith@kdc.coop.
Where can I find information about on-farm processin?
The Kerry Center for Sustainable Agriculture has created a publication entitled "Farm Made: A Guide to On-Farm Processing for Organic Producers," which includes example enterprises of sorghum syrup, packaged fresh salad greens, jams, jellies and spreads, as well as table eggs. Read more here.
Where can I recycle ag plastics?
Agriculture Plastic Recycling Opportunities In Pennsylvania
Updated July1, 2009
CONCORD PLASTICS, INC Contact: James Sampson
225 Jaycee Drive
West Hazleton, PA. 18202
Phone# 570-453-0803
CONCORD PLASTICS of PA INC
3000 Seventh Ave.
Altoona, PA 16602
Phone: 814-941-2055
Accepts #5 Polypropylene Plastic Flower Pots and Trays. Must be rinsed.
COUGLE’S RECYCLING, INC. Contact: Matthew Cougle
1000 S. 4th Street
Hamburg, PA 19526
Phone# 610-562-8336
Interested in some Ag. Plastics
ESBENSHADE’S GARDEN CENTERS
CUSTOMERS ONLY!
Call for Seasonal Hours
Web Site: www.esbenshades.com
Accept plastic pots and trays of all types and sizes.
NICOS POLYMERS GROUP
730 Bangor Road
Nazareth, PA 18064
Phone# 610-614-1400
Accepting PP and PS flower pots and horticultural planters. Possibly interested in green house covers and PE horticultural bags.
PANDYA, INC. Contact: Dr. Pandya
R. 840 Horner Street
Johnstown, PA 15902
Phone# 814-535-5467
Interested in some Ag. Plastics.
SAM ESH Contact: Sam Esh
257 Rockville Road
Rebersburg, PA 16872
Phone# 814-349-8646, Ext.#4
ULTRA-POLY CORPORATION
P.O. Box 330
102 Demi RD.
Portland, PA 18351
Accept Nursery hub covers LLDPE (white or clear).
Accept HDPE or PP TYPE Flower Pots.
Phone# 1-800-932-0619
VERSAPLEX, INC. Contact: Tom Lotterman
115 Mozzette Road
PO Box 307
Greentown, PA 18426
Phone# 570-676-0676
Interested in some Ag. Plastics.
WASTE NOT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Contact: Patrick Kelley
P.O. Box 848
Kunkletown Road
Saylorsburg, PA 18353
Phone# 570-992-7041
Accepts large HDPE nursery pots.
ZOOK’S PLASTIC RECOVERY Contact: Daniel Zook
183 S. Farmersville RD.
Leola, PA 17540
Phone# 717-656-4422
DROP OFF LOCATION: LANCHESTER LANDFILL
LANCHESTER LANDFILL
7224 Division Highway
Narvon, PA 17555
Phone# 1-800-626-0067
Call for hours of operation and types of plastics accepted.
Agricultural #4 film and supersacks.
Web site: www.chestercountyswa.org
If you have any questions about agriculture plastic recycling in Pennsylvania, please contact Robert Meneses with the Recycling Markets Center at 717-948-6719 or Charlie Scheidler with the Commonwealth of PA at 717-787-0115.
