Research Reports
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2024
Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Solar Development on Pennsylvania Farmland
August 29, 2024 | Agriculture
Many solar energy developers are seeking to build large utility-scale solar facilities in Pennsylvania. Nineteen such facilities are operating or partially operating in the Commonwealth, and as of late 2023, at least nine additional projects were under construction (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 2024). Many additional lands have been leased or purchased for the purposes of utility-scale solar development, pending local government approval and permission to interconnect with transmission lines. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the demonstrated and potential economic, social, and physical land-based impacts of utility-scale solar development on farmland, farming practices, and farming communities in Pennsylvania. Based on these findings, the study explores a menu of policy options to mitigate negative impacts and harness the positive outcomes of this development.
Executive Summary
Tags: farming , agriculture , utility-scale solar energy , farmland , sense of place
2022
Analysis of 2017 Census of Agriculture Data
February 21, 2022 | Agriculture
This study examined the agricultural industry in Pennsylvania and provides descriptive profiles of farm operations and farmers, as well as trends in Pennsylvania agriculture.
Executive Summary
Tags: farming , farmers , trends , agriculture
2021
Your Agritourism Business in Pennsylvania: A Resource Handbook
December 21, 2021 | Agriculture
Agritourism is the combination of two of Pennsylvania’s largest industries: agriculture and tourism. Agritourism represents an increasing opportunity for the tourism and agricultural industries. Agribusiness and tourism and two of the six key industries identified by the Department of Community and Economic Development for growth in Pennsylvania, which means there are many available resources for those looking to get into or wanting to grow their business.
Flyer
Tags: how-to guide , business development , tourism , agriculture
2020
Pennsylvania's Emerging Cider Industry and Its Contribution to Artisan Beverages and Sustainable Agriculture (2020)
February 05, 2020 | Agriculture
Cider was an essential commodity to the New World settlers and the most prominent alcoholic beverage in Pennsylvania's early years. Recently, a shift in the food and drink industry has occurred with consumers searching for alternative beverage options with new flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Craft breweries are at the forefront of this movement. Craft beverages contribute to positive place-based tourism. This creates the potential to offer sustainable economic development to rural areas. Many areas in the Mid-Atlantic are taking advantage of the growth in artisan beverages, and Pennsylvania has the potential to become a cider tourism hub. With some adjustments to legislation, regulations and marketing, and better coordination among tourism promotion agencies and cider producers, Pennsylvania's cider industry could have significant impacts on the state's agritourism industry.
Executive Summary
Tags: artisan beverages , tourism , cider , agriculture
2017
Measuring Agricultural Changes Related to Marcellus Shale Development (2017)
March 17, 2017 | Environment and Natural Resources
The primary objective of this research was to investigate the direct and indirect effects of Marcellus Shale development on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of Pennsylvania agriculture. To identify changes in agriculture, the research used secondary data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture, comparing county statistics prior to development, early in development, and about 4 years into development. By combining the results from the focus groups, one may speculate that Marcellus Shale activity is one of the many factors influencing farm practices and changes. Data from the surveys and other secondary data will be needed to determine the dynamic influences and relationships between drilling activities and changes in farming operations, quality of life, and decisions related to land use and availability.
Tags: agriculture , marcellus shale
Analysis of 2012 Census of Agriculture Data (2017)
January 10, 2017 | Agriculture
This study examined data from the Census of Agriculture to provide an analysis of Pennsylvania's agriculture industry. According to the research, from 2007 to 2012, there was a decline in the number of farms and acres of farmland in Pennsylvania but an increase (5 %) in average farm size. Agriculture is a major industry in Pennsylvania and an essential part of the state's landscape and culture. The goal of this research was to present a comprehensive analysis of Pennsylvania farmers, the types of farm operations, and the existing trends and conditions in the state's agriculture industry. Overall, the research found that the number of farms in Pennsylvania decreased, the land in the farms declined, and the average farm size increased.
Executive Summary
Tags: agriculture
2014
Establishing a Baseline for Measuring Agricultural Changes Related to Marcellus Shale Development (Report 9)
September 30, 2014 | Environment and Natural Resources
This research looked to establish a baseline for investigating the direct and indirect effects of
Marcellus Shale natural gas development on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of
Pennsylvania agriculture.
Tags: agriculture , marcellus shale
Introducing the Center's new journal, Rural Policy: The Research Bulletin of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.