Industry and Population Shifts | Deteriorating Infrastructure | Advancing Technology |
Land Development Limitations | Challenges for Agriculture | Workforce Development Issues |
Planning and Coordination
Challenges for Agriculture
While agriculture continues to be viewed as a critical and valued component of the Chester County economy, farmers face increasing conflicts with neighboring property owners.
A large majority of respondents to the Landscapes2 public opinion survey identified “farmland and rural character” as what they valued most about Chester County. Participants in the Landscapes2 focus group on Agriculture commented that “Many new residents have a positive but unrealistic expectation of rural life and do not understand the high-tech nature of farming or the tradeoffs essential to rural life.” Farming operations can produce noise, odors, and other activities that suburban neighbors find offensive. Farmers are finding less community support and advocacy for their industry over time.
The success of farming operations is dependent upon other critical issues that farmers cannot effectively address, including the inadequacy of transportation systems, the lack of affordable housing, and national immigration policies.
Modern farming is best supported when roadways are improved adequately for truck shipping. Old rural roadways do not accommodate the needs of modern farming. Also, much of the agriculture industry in Chester County depends upon migrant workers, earning very modest wages. Housing options for this income group are extremely limited. In addition, policies that make it more difficult for immigrants to come to or remain in the county have a negative impact on the farming community here.
The mushroom industry, which represents the majority of agricultural market sales in the county, is currently feeling the negative impact of spiraling energy costs.
Mushroom farming is an industry that has traditionally been less susceptible to the variations and extremes of climate than other agricultural operations. In recent months, however, mushroom growers in Chester County are feeling the impact of rising fuel costs. Fuel is needed to regulate the large, environmentally controlled greenhouses that require fresh air from outside to be heated or cooled. The price of oil has also increased transportation costs. Growers are furthered concerned about the removal of utility rate caps in 2010 and 2011, with the deregulation of Pennsylvania's wholesale electricity market.
Industry and Population Shifts | Deteriorating Infrastructure | Advancing Technology |
Land Development Limitations | Challenges for Agriculture | Workforce Development Issues |
Planning and Coordination
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