By Blake Jackson
Michael Fidanza, professor of plant and soil science at Penn State Berks, has been appointed president of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture (PSPA), serving a one-year term.
Founded in 1785, PSPA was created to explore and promote best practices in agriculture. Its early members included prominent figures of the young United States, such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
Charles Thomson, another founding member, served as secretary of the Continental Congress and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The society continues its mission of expanding knowledge across the diverse and economically significant agriculture industry. It is also participating in America250, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“It is an honor to serve in this capacity, and give back to Pennsylvania's agriculture industry. This industry has supported my research and teaching mission by providing financial support, gift-in-kind support, and employment opportunities for our agricultural science students at Penn State Berks," Fidanza said.
PSPA hosts monthly meetings on topics of interest, encouraging learning about emerging technologies and their impact on agriculture, natural resources, and sustainability within food production systems.
The society also supports future agriculture professionals by offering scholarships and opportunities that promote careers in agriculture and the food industry. PSPA’s archives, stored at the University of Pennsylvania Library, are available for research scholars and the public.
Fidanza’s interest in agriculture began during his childhood on his father’s mushroom farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Fidanza research focuses on turfgrass ecology, plant health products including fungicides, herbicides, and growth regulators, soil surfactants, seed technology, and cultural practices like fertilization and biostimulant use.
Fidanza also investigates the ecology of fairy ring disease in turfgrass and studies the benefits of mushroom compost for lawns, landscapes, crop production, and environmental applications.
Through his leadership at PSPA, Fidanza aims to strengthen connections within Pennsylvania’s agriculture community while fostering education, innovation, and sustainable practices.
Photo Credit: penn-state-college-of-ag-sciences
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education