By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture joined forces with Variety - The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley to host Farm City Day, giving students from southeast and central Pennsylvania an opportunity to explore how agriculture connects to everyday life and modern technology.
The event introduced students to agricultural careers through hands-on learning activities focused on science, sustainability, and innovation.
Farm City Day reflects Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader effort to strengthen Pennsylvania’s agricultural workforce by expanding apprenticeship programs and career training opportunities.
Pennsylvania currently leads the nation in the percentage of farmers under the age of 35, and state leaders continue investing in programs designed to prepare young people for future jobs in agriculture.
“Students here today may be the ones who dream up the technology and innovation that will shape our agriculture industry and feed our families tomorrow. We want students to see, touch, and imagine how they can put their abilities and interests to work in agriculture," Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said.
"Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry needs flexible problem-solvers who can imagine not just how agriculture works for them every day, but how they can have a future making agriculture work better for everyone. Students who have disabilities work daily to navigate the world. They can bring that skill to tackling the challenges a changing climate, technology, and marketplace bring to agriculture.”
Since 1935, Variety has supported children and young adults with disabilities through educational and vocational programs.
State Agriculture and Youth Grants awarded from 2023 through 2025 helped the organization expand accessible gardens with raised beds, wider walkways, and adapted workspaces.
Additional Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants supported greenhouse improvements and student-led organic food production projects.
“We are honored to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for this Farm-City event and in our ongoing efforts to create meaningful opportunities for young people,” Variety CEO Dominique Bernardo said.
“Through accessible vocational training and hands-on learning experiences in our gardens and greenhouses, we are helping students understand the vital role agriculture plays in our communities while preparing them with skills for future careers."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy