Description

Date: Friday, March 20^th

Time: 8-9:30am

Location: Farm & Home Center

Speakers:

• Will Clark, Executive Director, Lancaster County Planning Department
• Matt Knepper, Director, Agricultural Preserve Board
• Jeff Swinehart, President & CEO, Lancaster Farmland Trust
• Jeb Musser, VP of Land Protection, Lancaster Farmland Trust

Event Description: As Lancaster County grows, considerations around land use, farmland preservation, and future development are increasingly important to the long-term strength of our agricultural economy. This Ag Issues Forum will bring together experts in these areas to explore how we continue to thoughtfully balance these priorities. At this session, representatives from the County of Lancaster (Lancaster County Planning Department and the Ag Preserve Board) will present an overview of the Places2040 update process and their considerations as we think about growth areas, investment areas, and how growth can occur while maintaining Lancaster County’s unique character. Lancaster Farmland Trust will share perspective on trends and trajectories in farmland preservation and how conservation efforts are shaping the future of ag in the County. Together, these perspectives help frame a critical question facing us: How do we balance growth with preservation of one of the nation’s most productive agricultural landscapes?

Format:

               8:00am - 8:20am: Registration/Networking/Breakfast

               8:20am - 9:00am: Panel Presentation 

               9:00am - 9:30am: Q&A

About Ag Issues Forum

The Lancaster Chamber is proud to host a series of Ag Issues Forums each year, designed specifically for professionals in the agribusiness sector, including ag lending, feed, equipment, and more. These forums serve as a valuable platform for networking and collaboration, bringing together key stakeholders in agriculture to discuss pressing issues facing the industry. Each forum includes an educational session, offering ample opportunities for attendees to connect and engage in meaningful conversations with peers and industry leaders. Whether you're seeking insights into the latest trends or looking to build relationships within the agricultural community, our Ag Issues Forums provide a welcoming space for learning, sharing, and growing together.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Supporting Sponsors