Members and advocates of Chester County's farming community, representatives of agricultural businesses and agritourism entities, and elected officials recently joined with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to celebrate the expansion of AgConnect. The gathering took place at Milky Way Farm in Chester Springs.

AgConnect is a program that provides finance opportunities and workforce support for agricultural businesses and that promotes the benefits of farming to the region's residents and visitors.

Chester County Government partnered with the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) last summer to restructure and expand AgConnect. Initially a CCEDC program that focused on workforce needs and finance opportunities for agriculture businesses, AgConnect now brings more resources to farmers and agricultural businesses, promotes the benefits of farming to the region's residents and visitors, and is carrying out the Agriculture Economic Development Strategic Plan adopted by the Chester County commissioners.

In addition to the celebration of AgConnect, Redding brought a special Century Farm recognition to the Matthews family of Milky Way Farm. The farm has been owned and operated by the Matthews family as a dairy farm since 1902; four generations of family members have operated the farm. Current caretakers Sam and Melba Matthews work with their children and the children's spouses - Carolyn Matthews Eaglehouse, Thomas and Jenna Matthews, and Tim and Jane Matthews Ferris - running the permanently preserved dairy farm, which has expanded over the years to include the Chester Springs Creamery; pumpkin picking, hayride, and corn maze weekends in the fall; and a fresh produce and local honey cooperative. Milky Way was one of the first farms in the region to host school groups to educate children as they experience a working farm, and the family also holds summer day camps.

More information on AgConnect can be found at http://www.go-agconnect.org.