The development of Lancaster County is rooted in agriculture and family living. It's a past that the Farm and Home Foundation of Lancaster County (FHFLC) wants to honor but not dwell on.

FHFLC seeks to sustain, preserve and support the evolved agricultural industry in Lancaster County. The nonprofit accomplishes its mission by providing a hub for the farming community, implementing programs, fostering relationships and educating youths.

"Agriculture is very important in Lancaster County," said FHFLC president Steve Spayd. "Lancaster County is still the leading agricultural county in the state. Our farms have gotten larger, and they've gotten more technical. Hopefully, at the end of the day, we can say we've made progress. I don't think we're working harder; we're working smarter."

FHFLC, which is directed by a 15-member board, might be best known locally for the Farm and Home Center of Lancaster County, which it operates at 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. The spacious building houses seven outside organizations, including the Penn State Agricultural Extension Office of Lancaster County, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency, the Lancaster County Conservation District, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and an agricultural products business.

"Our agricultural community is a very giving community where we come together and learn different things," said Spayd. "By having a central meeting place, I think it's been a tremendous benefit to Lancaster County. Our learning is never finished. One of the things we need to keep in mind is, are we passing that knowledge on? There was a need for a hub, and that's why the foundation was founded."

FHFLC sponsors a scholarship program for Lancaster County high school students interested in furthering their educations in the fields of agriculture, family living and consumer sciences. Following an application and review process, four-year renewable, $1,000 scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership and financial need.

Since its inception in 1966, the program has awarded 526 scholarships totaling over $740,000. The scholarship program is funded through the Elmer L. Esbenshade Trust and FHFLC.

"I think the scholarship program is a very important aspect of Farm and Home Foundation because we want to encourage young people to further their educations," said Spayd. "I think they're kids who are motivated to learn more and who have a hunger for knowledge. Book knowledge and hands-on knowledge have to go together. The saying 'it takes a community to raise a family' is so true. I don't think you could put a price tag on the whole thing."

FHFLC, which also supports local 4-H clubs, FFA and community clubs, was established in 1961 by a group of Lancaster County farmers and their wives who were seeking to support agriculture in the community. In 1967, the current Farm and Home Center building was completed.

"I don't know that the general public knows about us," said Spayd. "Maybe those in the local agricultural community do. I don't think people realize the availability of programs for them there and what the foundation has to offer. We'd like to make more people interested in how their food is being produced and where their food is coming from. So many people think food comes from the grocery store, and they don't know anything beyond that."

For additional information about the Farm and Home Foundation of Lancaster County, go to http://www.farmandhomecenter.com.