Agribusiness Support

Promoting Agricultural Economic Development

Berks County has a long and rich agricultural history, and it remains one of its top industries. Berks County ranks third in Pennsylvania in the market value of agricultural products sold and in the top ten of most crop and livestock categories.

Agricultural production continues to grow and innovate. The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is working collaboratively with the Berks County Commissioners and the Berks Agricultural Resource Network (B.A.R.N.) to offer resources and economic development support to Berks County farmers and increase consumer awareness of local producers and products.

Agribusiness Resources:

• Monthly Agriculture Newsletter Newsletter
  • Collaboration with Berks County Department of Agriculture
  • Newsletter includes:
    • Ag news
    • Financial Resources
    • News Farmers Can Use
    • Ag Related Events
    • Ag Related Job Openings

• Grow Together Campaign
  • GRCA, in cooperation with the Berks County Commissioners and the B.A.R.N. has launched the “Grow Together” campaign to promote locally produced agricultural products that are available in season and connect consumers with Berks County’s farmers. The program includes:
    • Promotion: GRCA has engaged in a multifaceted social media and digital marketing campaign that will direct consumers to a Berks County-specific website where they can easily search for local farms by product type. If your farm isn’t currently listed, contact us (mailto:[email protected]) to update!
    • Education: The “Grow Together” campaign is geared towards consumers, educating them on the products produced locally, when they are available and how to find those producers.
    • Connection: The “Grow Together” campaign is designed to amplify individual marketing efforts by Berks County farmers and help connect them with a wider group of consumers as their shopping habits continue to turn to a digital marketplace.

• Agribusiness Financing
  • Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) offer provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for a variety of different industry sectors eligible for financing including manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, research and development, hospitality, defense conversion, recycling, construction, child day-care, retail and service, export and computer-related service enterprises.
  • Uses: Land and building acquisitions, construction and renovation costs, machinery and equipment purchases, working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit, multi-tenant facility projects, industrial park projects.
  • Contact Landon Bernheiser, Director of Real Estate & Special Projects | 610.898.7792

• Marketing Support and Alvernia Partnership
  • Alvernia University is another partner of the “Grow Together” Campaign that is helping to expand opportunities for Berks County agriculture. Through Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute, farmers in Berks County will be able to receive free online and social media marketing assistance and other services from its talented student fellows. Farmers interested or already engaged in direct-to-consumer marketing are encouraged to sign up for this free service to help you expand and grow in 2021. Please contact Michelle Lehman, Director of Student & Client Services, 610-790-2960.

• “Go Taste Berks”/ “Taste of Berks”
  • “Go Taste Berks” is a weeklong restaurant-week style event offering specials, complimentary items and discounts at local GRCA member businesses promoting ordering takeout from restaurants, bars, agricultural locations and others. Those who purchased a $10 passport to this event received a yearlong coupon book! Due to the community spread of COVID-19 and being unable to meet in person, the GRCA annual “Taste of Berks” became “Go Taste Berks” in 2021 with the mission to drive traffic to our hospitality industry and beyond when they need it the most.
  • Past “Taste of Berks” events have been held in person, and we hope to all be back together again in 2022.