FarmFest Celebrates Organic Agriculture with Two Days of Fun, Education

Observing 20 years of operation, the nonprofit Pennsylvania Certified Organic invites Centre County residents and visitors alike to join them in a celebration of all things organic on Friday and Saturday at the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall.

The membership-based organization works with local agricultural providers, helping them to learn more about what makes their operations “organic,” and how they can become certified. Today, they’re ranked as the largest organic certification agency on the East Coast, the fifth-largest in the United States and the 11th-largest in the world.

“An important part of PCO’s mission is to educate farmers and consumers on the benefits of organic food and agriculture. Our vision is ‘Every person in every place will have organic food on their table, in their garden, on their farm or in their business,’” says Leslie Zuck, executive director of Pennsylvania Certified Organic, which is based in Spring Mills.

The group’s work may seem a little complex at first — after all, how many of us really know what separates a certified organic tomato from a non-organic tomato, other than a lot of paperwork? But the basis of their mission is simple — provide produce and animal products to consumers, that are not only better for their health, but also for the health of the planet.

It’s this idea that surrounds the celebratory FarmFest, which will be two days of all things organic and sustainable. You won’t need to be an agricultural whiz to enjoy the event, though. They have activities for the entire family, no matter how familiar you are with where or how exactly your food grows.

“We hope that FarmFest visitors leave the festival with their heads full of new ideas and their bellies full of delicious organic food,” Zuck says. “Seriously, people are more interested than ever in learning about where their food comes from, now that most of us are several generations removed from working the land. FarmFest provides an opportunity for families to learn together — workshops, demos and activities are suitable for all ages.”

So, what can you add to your weekend schedule?

For those with a little curiosity, attend one of the many workshops and demonstrations to pick up a new skill or hobby. Some of the offerings include demos on blacksmithing; vermicomposting (which is just a technical term for worm composting); vertical, urban gardening; beekeeping; fermentation; hydroponics and more. The Wool Village combines fiber demos with handicraft items for sale, so you can give it a try before you buy (plus, if you’ve recently jumped on the knitting bandwagon, you’ll find the Knitting Circle for local knitters and crocheters to be a fun activity). Each workshop and demonstration is led by an expert in the field, with plenty of life experience to answer all your questions, from the simple to the more technical.

In between exploring your newfound interests, stop by the Homemade & Homegrown Market, for locally grown or crafted items offered by specialty vendors. Beyond yummy food products to take home, you’ll also be able to pick up locally made jewelry and bath products. For eating on the go, the organic food court is serving up favorite organic foods from around the area, such as Rosie’s Pierogies and baked goods from Gemelli Bakers.

Not sure you’re ready to make a purchase or take the plunge into a new sustainable hobby? The relaxed atmosphere of the Browsing Barn will let you ease into the experience. You can mix and mingle with other visitors, grab a book from the Book Nook or just enjoy one of the few activities held there over the weekend — like a 3 p.m. yoga session on Friday, or the benefit auction held Saturday evening.

If you’re thinking not all of the above will appeal to the smallest members of your family, you can rest assured there’s plenty of face painting, farm animals to pet, hayrides and music.

One of the highlights of FarmFest will be the Founding Farmers Award Ceremony. In honor of Pennsylvania Certified Organic turning 20, they’re recognizing all of the farmers that the group certified during its very first year in existence. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding will beon hand to distribute the awards, and spectators are invited for a complimentary ice cream social afterwards. That is only one facet of the larger anniversary ceremony held Friday, starting at 4 p.m. and also including a keynote address from Tom Beddard of Lady Moon Farms and Pennsylvania Certified Organic’s founding president. Wrapping it all up is the Organic BBQ and Barn Dance to end the night on a high note.

Held at the Centre Country Grange Fairgrounds, FarmFest is free, and runs 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday.