Agricultural Vitality
Department of Agriculture
Berks County is a place where agricultural production and agri-business are thriving, the community engages with and supports local agricultural producers, and the industry is well understood and valued by municipal, county, and regional decision-makers.
Read the Latest Ag Quarterly
This latest issue highlights Ag in the Classroom and the launch of the physical farmer’s market guide.
Department of Agriculture
Supporting Farming in Berks County
Berks County is well-known for its commitment to conserving agricultural land, with around 73% of its total land dedicated to preservation and open space. The department works hand-in-hand with local and state partners, backing initiatives like the annual Value-Add Producer Grants and collaborating with the Pennsylvania Agriculture Business Development Center to drive innovation and sustainability in farming.
Beyond economic development, the Department of Agriculture also supports broader county goals, such as optimizing land use, caring for the environment, and improving market access for local producers, helping ensure that Berks County continues to thrive as a vibrant center for agricultural growth and community welfare.
Investing in the Future of PA Farmers
Agricultural Innovation Grant Recipients
Governor Josh Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the second round of grants through the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. Several groups in Berks County were selected as recipients.
Clover Farms Dairy in Muhlenberg Township
F.M. Brown’s Sons
Earthcare Bethel
Third Place Processing
Alvernia University
Awarded a $16,200 state grant for an aeroponics greenhouse.
PA Hemp Industry Council
The Latest News
From the Department of Agriculture
‘Field to Table’ dinner celebration held in a soybean field
A surprisingly fitting definition of agriculture is found in Berks County, Pa. WOMELSDORF, Pa. — Like any successful crop, the Berks County Farm Bureau’s inaugural Field to Table Dinner began with a seed: What if people could enjoy a field-to-table dinner in the...
Berks County Ag Quarterly: January 2026
Check out the latest news from the Berks County Department of Agriculture via their online magazine: Ag Quarterly, January 2026
IMAGINE Berks Year 3: Growing Through Change
IMAGINE Berks 2022-2025 It is hard to believe that over 3 years ago is when Berks County officially adopted IMAGINE Berks, the first county-wide and county-led Economic Development Strategic Action Plan in our nearly 275 year history. Throughout the past 3 years, the...