By Blake Jackson
AgConnect, the public-private partnership dedicated to strengthening agriculture and agricultural businesses in Chester County, has announced its latest honorees recognizing leadership and service within the local farming community. Fifth-generation mushroom grower Meghan Klotzbach was named Chester County’s 2025 Farmer of the Year, while Pennsylvania State Representative John Lawrence received the Duncan Allison Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
The awards were presented during a special event hosted at Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms, where Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe joined members of AgConnect’s Executive Advisory Committee, staff, and invited guests to celebrate the recipients.
“It takes all of us working together; farmers, legislators, and county government to ensure every farm has the chance to be preserved and thrive,” said Chester County Commissioners Chair Josh Maxwell. “I am incredibly proud of our team in the Chester County community for working together to make agriculture a priority.”
County Commissioners Moskowitz and Roe echoed that sentiment in a joint statement, recognizing the honorees’ lasting impact. “Chester County agriculture thrives because of leaders like Meghan Klotzbach and Representative John Lawrence,” they said. “Their dedication, innovation and service ensure that our farming community remains strong for generations to come.”
Klotzbach, vice president of sales, marketing, and operations at Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms, was honored for carrying forward her family’s five-generation mushroom-growing tradition while advancing organic production in southern Chester County. At C.P. Yeatman & Sons, Inc. and Mother Earth, LLC, she has helped modernize operations, enhance food safety and traceability systems, and expand product lines. Her family’s farm became the first commercial mushroom operation in the nation to earn organic certification, and all current production is fully organic.
Beyond the farm, Klotzbach is active in community education, hosting school groups and advocating for the mushroom industry at both the state and national levels. She described the Farmer of the Year recognition as “humbling and meaningful,” particularly as she works to protect the farm for future generations.
State Representative John Lawrence was recognized for more than 20 years of legislative leadership in support of Pennsylvania agriculture.
Representing the 13th Legislative District, Lawrence has been a prominent member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, advancing policies that promote dairy transparency, protect the equine industry, support small processors, and preserve farmland. Reflecting on the honor, Lawrence said, “The land feeds us - but it’s the people behind it who keep it alive.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Government & Policy