Ag project gets boost

Potter County's multi-faceted "Food Matrix" got a shot in the arm Tuesday, in the form of a $10,000 grant.

Food Matrix leaders will use the money from the Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development to retain expert help in developing a broad-based agricultural development strategy. They hope to tie in their program with the "Pennsylvania Wilds" tourist promotion plans, as well as the Pa. Rt. 6 Tourist Assn. and other initiatives.

Helene Nawrocki, one of the driving forces behind the Food Matrix in her role as executive director of the Potter County Education Council, said there's vast potential to capitalize on the area's agricultural assets.

Nawrocki joined Doug Morley, the council's board president, in displaying an artist's rendition of a building and grounds they would like to see built, preferably along Rt. 6. It would host outdoor exhibits and a community kitchen for production of local "value-added" products such as jams, pickles, 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.

Another key component of the Food Matrix is Potter County's growing Community- Sustained Agriculture (CSA) program. A successful pilot project in 2006 has laid the foundation for an expanded effort this year.

With CSA, growers decide what to plant and consumers sign agreements to purchase the crops.

For between $20 and $30 per week, buyers receive fresh vegetables, canned goods, eggs, baked goods, flowers and herbs. Ten local growers, with 16 product lines, signed up as suppliers for a dozen customers last year. This year, more growers are registered and buyers have been signing up.

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.

Basket contents change as the growing season evolves. Subscriptions last over the duration of local growing season, approximately 22 weeks, mid-May through mid- October.

A third component of the Food Matrix is the Potter County Farmers Market, which expects to build on its best year in 2006. Products are marketed on weekends at the courthouse square in Coudersport, as well as locations in Galeton and Genesee.

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