Product No.: 14048
Date Published: 09/2014
If you would like to request a printed copy (or copies) of this product, please call DVRPC at 215-592-1800 or email the staff contact listed below. If you would like to request this publication or portion of this publication in another language or format, please fill out a request form.
Recent trends show that, although increased consumer interest has generated new market opportunities for farmers, it is becoming more difficult to start and sustain a small, profitable farming enterprise. Despite these challenges, it is important to support small and mid-sized farms, especially those managed by beginning and young farmers. This guide addresses a number of the challenges that small and beginning farmers face in accessing knowledge, land, and financing. It summarizes information regarding existing financial and technical assistance for small and beginning farmers, highlights a few nontraditional farm financing resources, and provides recommendations for improving access to land and capital for beginning farmers specifically in the Greater Philadelphia region.Geographic Area Covered: The nine-county DVRPC region: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties in New Jersey.
Key Words: Aging Farmers, Agriculture, Beginning Farmers, Business Plan, Capital, Cash Flow, Census of Agriculture, Credit, Collateral, Community Development Financial Institution, Conservation Easement, Crowdfunding, Direct Sales, Diversified Agriculture, Farms, Farm Service Administration, Farm Credit, Farming, Farmland, Farmland Preservation, Financial Assistance, Food System, Greater Philadelphia, Individual Development Account, Microloans, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Sustainable, Tax Credit, Technical Assistance, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Working Landscapes
Staff Contact(s)
- Alison M. Hastings, PP, AICP (ahastings@dvrpc.org)
Translation Request
DVRPC’s publications or portions of publications can be translated in alternative languages and formats if requested. To request translation, please submit the form below. You can also contact DVRPC’s Office of Communications & Engagement at 215-592-1800 or public_affairs@dvrpc.org.
Title VI Statement
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice, and related nondiscrimination mandates in all programs and activities. DVRPC's website, www.dvrpc.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can usually be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. DVRPC’s public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities, and held in transit-accessible locations whenever possible. Translation, interpretation, or other auxiliary services can be provided to individuals who submit a request at least seven days prior to a public meeting. Translation and interpretation services for DVRPC’s projects, products, and planning processes are available, generally free of charge, by calling (215) 592-1800. All requests will be accommodated to the greatest extent possible.
Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by DVRPC under Title VI and/or ADA has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and filed with DVRPC's Title VI Compliance Manager, Alison Hastings, and/or the appropriate state or federal agency within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. For more information on DVRPC's Title VI program or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please visit: www.dvrpc.org/GetInvolved/TitleVI, call (215) 592-1800, or email public_affairs@dvrpc.org.