Chester County to host "Keep Farming First" conference

Chester County 2020 will host its annual "Keep Farming First" conference on Saturday, February 16th at the Chester Country Intermediate Unit in Downingtown. The event provides a forum for how to merge a need for high quality food, the existence of prime agricultural land, but the lack of farmers to maintain the land. The day begins at 8:30 am with registration and some breakfast over a bit of live Bluegrass music provided by The Blue Dot Ramblers. Throughout the day, panels will discuss the following topics: “Increase Your Market Share in the Metro Area,” “Real Agriculture Jobs and How to Find Them,” and “What Government Can Do to Help Local Agriculture.” Featured guest speakers will include Sheri Salatin of Polyface Farm, PA State Representative John Lawrence, Agricultural Development Council Past Chair Duncan Allison, and CC2020 President George Asimos. The event will wrap up at 2:30 following the raffle drawing. Registration is $25 for individuals and $20 per person at the group rate. Students in grades 9-12 may register for free. Those who pre-register will also enjoy a boxed lunch at the event. To register email info@cc2020.org, call 484-680-5570, or register online at www.cc2020.org.