Tourism insights: New, enhanced efforts to elevate Centre County agriculture

Centre County’s agricultural history dates back to the earliest years of the state, when land deforested for charcoal to fuel ironworks was transformed into farmland. From this landscape, Farmers’ High School emerged in 1855. Farmers’ High School is today, of course, Penn State University, a driver of agricultural innovation. That rural landscape of lush valleys and communities founded nearly 250 years ago now boasts nearly 1,100 farms, and men and women dedicated to preserving our rich agricultural tradition.

In 2019, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) launched Happy Valley Agventures to tell the compelling story of Centre County’s agricultural offerings — both existing successful ventures like the popular Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail and potential fresh approaches. The goal of the initiative was then, and is now, to provide a boost to local ag-related operations by inviting local residents and visitors to enjoy what is grown, crafted and created in Happy Valley.

With offerings that continue to expand and evolve — not to mention a growing desire to connect with where our food comes from — there is more interest than perhaps ever before in authentic experiences found on the farm and in the field.

Happy Valley Agventures is responding by taking additional steps to elevate agriculture and agritourism locally.

Improvements to www.happyvalleyagventures.com make it easier for visitors to plan their next “agventure” in Happy Valley. Destination categories help identify available experiences. The calendar permanently features signature annual events, while highlighting other fun happenings around the county. An enhanced map helps visitors quickly locate their favorite farm, farm stand/store or event.

The HVAB and CBICC also announced a one-time Happy Valley Agventures grant program to help local farms, farm stands and other agricultural businesses become more visitor ready, and enhance the visitor/customer experience through facility improvements. The new grant is an opportunity to provide financial assistance to Agventures destinations and other eligible establishments looking to reimagine or grow their ag-related operations.

Opportunities in the agritourism space here are as plentiful as the fall harvest — from participating in goat yoga and enjoying art in the orchard, to sampling Amish-crafted artisanal cheese and picking your own fresh blooms. With so many wonderfully creative and visionary agricultural minds in Centre County, we look forward not only to being able to assist these establishments with funding, but to see what projects will emerge during the application process.

The Agventures grant is possible thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Marketing to Attract Tourists program, with assistance from state Sen. Jake Corman.

Finally, The HVAB and CBICC will soon launch a comprehensive marketing campaign that will promote Centre County’s unique agricultural offerings year-round and to a broader drive-market audience.

Agriculture is historically and economically significant. The HVAB is proud to support the agricultural community. We especially appreciate the hands that help feed us, and the creative, passionate people who are ensuring that our rich agricultural heritage carries on well into the future.

Applications for the Happy Valley Agventures grant program are available at ww.happyvalleyagventures.com, and will be accepted until COB Friday, April 29. Christie Black is serving as Happy Valley Agventures Grant Program and Marketing Consultant. All questions about the Happy Valley Agventures grant program should be directed to ChristieB@happyvalley.com.