Our mission is to encourage, develop, support and equip the next generation of specialty crop growers. YGA members have identified the following areas as priorities for group development:
Transition Planning
The YGA conducts enterprise transition workshops at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, PA. Topics include farm succession, innovation and entrepreneurship, and building coalitions.
Dr. Jim Schupp, Penn State Extension Professor of Pomology, addressed Innovation during a 2023 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention workshop on Innovative Apple Tree Pruning.
The 2020 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention featured a Lunch & Learn presentation on building coalitions by Dr. Brent Hales, Director, Penn State Extension, and a team building workshop by the Penn State Extension Leadership Network.
View a video of a presentation by Ann Dugan, an accomplished author, lecturer, and family business consultant, on Farm Transition Planning - Bringing in the Next Generation.
Sharing Diversification & Marketing Ideas
YGA members are constantly sharing new ideas with one another. One of the best ways to do this is to join us on tours and trips! Stay on top of information for new farmers by linking up with Penn State Extension's Starting a Farm or See All Starting a Farm – Penn State Extension | Education Format: Online Courses, Workshops, Videos.
Exploring Innovations
The YGA is associated with Penn State Extension; through this partnership, members have the opportunity to learn about new specialty crop innovations--even as they are being developed! Learn more about innovations developed by Penn State and its collaborators. Young growers have ventured to New Zealand Bolzano, Italy, California, Quebec, Canada and South Africa to learn about different fruit production techniques.
Horticulture Student Recruitment
We strongly encourage participation from the next generation of specialty crop growers, so please join us! YGA, along with the SHAP endowment committee, sponsors a horticulture scholarship. We also coordinate youth orchard work exchange opportunities.
Leadership Development
Not only are YGA members the next generation of growers, they are the next generation of great leaders. We strive to increase member participation in industry associations and state/local government. Check out our leadership and professional development opportunities.
Professional Development
YGA supports young growers who need financial support to attend professional development courses and conferences by connecting members to potential donors. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity please contact our coordinator.
Helping Underserved Growers in Central America
Nicaragua Ag Extension Project - an agricultural extensionist outreach program in the rural Nicaraguan community of Talolinga, focused on providing knowledge regarding sustainable agriculture techniques that can be transferred by one extensionist to all members of the community. The hope is that this approach would also be a model for assistance to similar communities in Nicaragua, Central America and beyond. If you are interested in joining one of the travel delegations, please contact our coordinator.
Service
Members help at the PA Farm Show, give career day presentations, and assist with food security initiatives such as gleaning networks.
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