A world where agriculture nourishes, heals, and empowers.
Cultivating environmentally sound, economically viable, community-focused farms and food systems.
In February 1992, a group of Pennsylvania farmers decided to host a conference devoted to advancing the art and science of sustainable agriculture. At the time, it was difficult to find reliable education and resources for farmers who wanted to steward their land in harmony with natural ecosystems and who wanted to sell their products locally to support the health and vibrancy of their local communities.
The Conference has become a treasured annual event, where farmers find a peer community they can rely on as they navigate the challenges of operating a farm business in a changing climate. It’s also become a place where food system changemakers can deepen their understanding of sustainable farming practices and strengthen their connections with local farmers.
Over the years, Pasa has been called on to address the needs of our community beyond gathering once a year.
We started taking the peer-to-peer learning model out in the field at year-round farmer-led educational events. We developed farmer training programs to open up new paths to farm management and ownership while supporting labor needs on working farms.
Farmers in our community have questions about how their practices impact the health of their land and their businesses. Our farm-based research studies work to dig up answers, and often unearth new questions. With the award of a USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant, we’re digging deeper than ever—providing direct technical assistance for farmers implementing strategies such as agroforestry and cover cropping, exploring how to measure the carbon sequestration of these practices, and helping farms communicate these findings to climate-conscious customers.
Pasa has also become a trusted source for legislators to learn about the key issues facing their farmer constituents. Our policy team listens to farmers about their struggles and triumphs and lifts their voices to those who can make an impact on the local, state, and national stages.
Farming is deeply tied to equity issues—from the legacies of colonization and slavery; to ongoing systemic racism, discrimination, and disenfranchisement; and struggles connected to labor rights and access to land and food. Our food systems equity work develops innovative ways to increase access to (and relevance of) resources for all farmers and grow connections, resilience, and justice in our local and regional communities.
Today, Pasa is a community of tens of thousands of farmers and food system changemakers working together to advance regenerative and equitable agriculture and grow a healthier planet.
