Dr. Josh McGrath Appointed to Key USDA Post

From PSPA member Mike McGrath Some of you are aware that our son, Josh McGrath, is a member of PSPA, and has spoken at our meeting in the past. You may not know that Josh’s career in ag research started … Continued


“Dietary Fiber and Functional Food Ingredients”

PSPA started the new year on a health note with a lecture on Dietary Fiber and Functional Food Ingredients by Dr. Julie Hirsch, a consultant and former Director of Ingredion Materials Science and Applied Research. We all need to eat … Continued


Luncheon Presentations 2015 – 2016

For more than 230 years the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture has presented outstanding speakers on timely agricultural and food system topics.  In this post we compile all the presentations that were made before the Society during our 2015 – … Continued


Membership Growth Spurred by Increase in Institution Members

In the first monthly Membership Dashboard since the conclusion of the annual Membership Renewal Campaign, the Membership Committee of PSPA announced a growth in membership led by an increase in institutional membership. Highlights included… For more information, contact PSPA Secretary … Continued


PSPA Visits Clemens Food Group

On Thursday, October 3, 2024, PSPA was on the road again with 30+ members visiting Clemens Food Group in Hatfield, PA. Clemens is among the five largest pork producers in the country and does business under the Hatfield, Farm Promise, … Continued


In Memoriam: Fred Wood

Frederick L. Wood, age 75, passed away on the morning of April 23, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Fred was born in New York City, New York and was a long time resident of Wawa, Pennsylvania. He attended Salisbury … Continued


New Members Welcomed at September Meeting

President Jessica McAtamney welcome Ryan Drake, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, and Jonathan Hoffmeier, a teacher at Landenau Environmental High School and incoming PSPA Treasurer, at the September 5, 2024 PSPA meeting. She also recognized the Food Marketing … Continued


Climate Matters: Nationally and Locally

Continuing the theme of climate change and agriculture, the September 5, 2024 meeting of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture entitled “Climate Matters: Nationally and Locally” featured an array of speakers who offered a glimpse of the way climate change … Continued


Philly Connects: Agriculture and Environment Working Together

The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture launched its 2024-2025 program year with the workshop, “Philly Connects: Agriculture and Environment Working Together” on August 15, 2024. Representatives from schools, businesses, and agencies across the greater Philadelphia area gathered for lunch and … Continued


A Traditional Swiss Sheep Drive in a Changing World

(Thanks to Dr. Mark Haskits for sending this along) Sean Gallup, a photographer with Getty Images, recently traveled with shepherds in Switzerland during their annual “Schäful” sheep drive in high alpine meadows, near the Oberaletsch and Grosser Aletsch glaciers. During … Continued


PSPA President Appoints Committee Chairs

Following the election of officers by the PSPA membership, President Jessica McAtamney appointed the Chairs of Committees for the 2024-2025 program year. The appointments were made to maximize the leadership on the Executive Committee and to recruit members who have … Continued


McAtamney Leads New Officer Team

As of July 1, 2024, Jessica McAtamney took over as President of PSPA with a team of officers including veteran and newcomers. Jonathan Hoffmeier, Treasurer, is a math teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. Tiffany Turrentine, first Vice-President, teaches … Continued