WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County’s agricultural community is getting a new platform for recognition. AgConnect, the county’s leading agricultural network, announced Tuesday the launch of the inaugural Best of Chester County Agriculture Awards, celebrating the innovators, leaders, and advocates driving the region’s farming future.
The new awards program highlights individuals whose work strengthens Chester County’s agricultural legacy through innovation, stewardship, and community impact. Nominations open Sunday, November 2, at the Good Food Fest in Kimberton and will remain open through December 13. Winners will be announced in 2026.
Awards will be presented in three categories: Young and Emerging Farmer, spotlighting next-generation agricultural leaders; Woman in Agriculture, recognizing women shaping the county’s agricultural and ag-related industries; and Community Impact in Agriculture, honoring those making a measurable difference in the local ag ecosystem.
“Chester County’s agriculture thrives because of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes,” said Greg Newell, Chair of AgConnect’s Executive Advisory Committee. “These awards give our community the opportunity to hear about their amazing efforts and celebrate those who feed, grow, and enrich our county every day.”
Residents are encouraged to nominate individuals whose commitment to farming excellence, education, or innovation deserves recognition by visiting www.go-agconnect.org and submitting a nomination through the Awards page.
The awards program comes at a pivotal moment for Chester County’s $712 million agricultural economy, one increasingly shaped by sustainability, workforce transition, and technological advancement. By spotlighting emerging farmers and community champions, the initiative could inspire broader public engagement in local food systems and strengthen generational continuity in farming.
Industry observers say the recognition could also help bridge a growing gap between consumers and producers, encouraging younger residents to see agriculture not just as a tradition, but as a modern and essential sector of Chester County’s economy.
With the launch of these awards, AgConnect is positioning itself as a catalyst for visibility, collaboration, and renewal in one of Pennsylvania’s most diverse and innovative agricultural regions.
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