Pasa Sustainable Agriculture (PASA)

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (the Association) coordinates one of the most extensive and well-attended calendars of farmer-to-farmer exchange events in the region. Pasa is leading the way regionally and nationally with the coordination and development of two formal, registered apprenticeship programs for aspiring farmers: the dairy grazing apprenticeship and diversified vegetable apprenticeship. These are accredited, first-in-the-nation programs that offer a structured career path for beginning farmers through a combination of paid, on-the-job training and technical instruction.

The Association also coordinates research projects among our members who farm at diverse scales and employ a vast array of strategies that measure the dimensions of sustainability they care about: the financial viability of their farm business, the health of their soil, and the nutrient-density of their products. Measuring these sustainability indicators lets Pasa establish benchmarks for what's typical-and what's possible. This benchmark data also lets the Association show, in measurable terms,how farmers are positively impacting their communities and the environment.

The Association hosts an annual Sustainable Agriculture conference which is attended by farmers, agricultural professionals and food systems supporters. This event is one of the premier Sustainable Agriculture conferences in the country. The event continues to attract a diverse cross section of stakeholders working to grow a more Sustainable food and farming culture.