Protecting a way of life in Potter

Joe Bailey (shown) deserves much of the credit for helping to launch Community-Sustained Agriculture in Potter County. Bailey, shown here with customer Maxine Harrison, is also a familiar face at the Farmers' Market at the courthouse square. He has temporarily relocated to Tennessee. Mitch DeLong and other volunteers are working to maintain the momentum in a changing agricultural landscape.

Potter County was once the king of Pennsylvania potato farming and one of the state's top milk producers. Gradually, many farms were sold for real estate development and younger generations opted out.

In recent years, several Amish families have helped to resurrect local farming, supplementing their income with woodworking and construction contracting. Meanwhile, active FFA chapters at Coudersport and Northern Potter continue to prepare young people for agribusiness.

Another significant local development is the advent of Community Sustained Agriculture (CSA). A successful pilot program in 2006 has laid the foundation for an expanded effort this year.

Growers come aboard

With CSA, growers decide what to plant and consumers sign agreements to purchase the crops. Ten local growers, with 16 product lines, signed up as suppliers for a dozen customers last year.

This year, 16 growers are registered so far and buyers are already signing up, according to Mitch DeLong of Shinglehouse. DeLong is spearheading the CSA as a public service, in conjunction with Penn State Cooperative Extension Service and the Potter County Education Council.

"The program is going well and we're looking to build on last year's success," DeLong said.

CSA guarantees the farmer financial support, helping the smaller and moderate-sized organic family farms to remain in business. It also brings the consumer wholesome foods harvested at the peak of their ripeness, flavor, and vitamin and mineral content.

Farmers' Market

DeLong is also promoting the Potter County Farmers Market, which expects to build on its best-ever year in 2006. Products are marketed on weekends at the courthouse square in Coudersport, as well as locations in Galeton and Genesee.

Several of the Amish families have joined the Farmers Market, featuring goods traditionally associated with southeastern Pennsylvania.

The same organizations promoting CSA and the Farmers' Market are also working on a third element, the Commercial Incubator Kitchen.

Supporters envision a community facility where producers can prepare jams and jellies, maple syrup, cherry butter, herb mixes, baked goods and homemade soap. Sellers would receive assistance to meet state regulations for packaging, labeling, quality testing, safety, content and processing.

Agriculture promoters in Potter County are also looking into opportunities for national and even international marketing.

They plan to tie in their efforts with the Pa. Lumber Heritage Region and Pennsylvania Wilds tourist promotions to market locally produced merchandise, such as woodcrafts.

Among other possible projects: corn mazes, an herb farm tour, pick-your own farms, dairy farm tours, demonstration gardens and pilot projects for "green" energy production.