Indiana County’s agricultural landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with traditional farming models facing mounting challenges. Amid this shifting terrain, the Colcom Foundation has emerged as a key supporter of innovative solutions addressing both environmental sustainability and community needs.
Specialty Crops Program Delivers Fresh Produce to Food-Insecure Residents
The Indiana County Conservation District (ICCD) has successfully established a thriving specialty crops initiative thanks to a $34,000 grant provided by Colcom Foundation in 2023. This investment has already yielded impressive results, with nearly 1,000 pounds of fresh produce donated to local food banks in 2024 alone.
The program represents a strategic response to documented agricultural challenges in the region. According to the 2017 Indiana County Ag Census, merely 9% of local farms sell directly to consumers, highlighting a significant gap in the local food system. The specialty crops initiative aims to bridge this divide while creating new revenue streams for farmers.
The Indiana County Hub for the Advancement of Specialty Crops aligns perfectly with the mission of Colcom Foundation, which was established in 1996 by Cordelia S. May to promote environmental sustainability and conservation.
Infrastructure Development Supports Year-Round Growing Capacity
The grant from Colcom Foundation enabled ICCD to develop crucial infrastructure for the specialty crops program, including a high tunnel greenhouse that provides a controlled environment for year-round plant propagation. This facility extends the growing season for various specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, herbs, and nursery crops.
The construction of the greenhouse became a community affair, with students from the Indiana County Technical Center building the high tunnel’s frame. This collaboration provided valuable real-world construction experience for local students while fostering community investment in the project.
ICCD also established in-ground garden beds that showcase the cultivation of various fruits, vegetables, and herbs while demonstrating passive season extension techniques. These practical demonstrations serve as educational tools for local farmers and community members interested in specialty crop production.
Educational Component Strengthens Program Impact
Beyond food production, the specialty crops initiative features a robust educational component. ICCD hosted five workshops in the high tunnel during 2024, engaging farmers and community members in hands-on learning experiences. These educational opportunities help ensure the long-term sustainability of the program by building local capacity and expertise.
Colcom Foundation’s support aligns with its mission to foster a sustainable environment to ensure the quality of life for all Americans by addressing the major causes and consequences of overpopulation and its adverse effects on natural resources. In southwestern Pennsylvania specifically, the foundation focuses on environmental projects addressing land conservation, watershed remediation, habitat protection, and air quality.
Looking toward the future, ICCD plans to enhance the greenhouse with automated temperature controls, shade cloth, pest protection, irrigation systems, and accessibility improvements. The organization aims to double food production to nearly 2,000 pounds in 2025, further strengthening food security in the region while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The specialty crops program exemplifies how targeted philanthropic investment from organizations like Colcom Foundation can catalyze meaningful change at the local level. By supporting initiatives that simultaneously address environmental sustainability, agricultural resilience, and community needs, such funding creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the initial investment.
