Posted on September 6, 2019 by Heather Adams

Ag Projects Approved for Funding from the PA Industrial Development Authority

by Greater Berks Development Fund

Ag Projects Approved for Funding from the PA Industrial Development Authority

The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), announced today that the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) approved three economic development loans for projects in Berks County:

Plum Creek Farm, LLC:    This project will assist a local food processor and farm market with the construction of a new 12,000 sf facility with a $1,000,000 PIDA loan.  Plum Creek Farm, LLC, d/b/a Plum Creek Farm, Market and Creamery, is in Penn Township at 5035 Bernville Road.  The market started operations at its current site in  April 2017  and has outgrown the existing facility.  The expanded operation will carry produce grown at a nearby farm that is affiliated with the market that includes such items as strawberries, sweet corn, strawberries, tomatoes, onions egg plants, zucchini, and pumpkins.  Other locally grown produce will also be sold there.  Additionally, Plum Creek Farm, LLC  has expanded into their own lines of food that is manufactured on site such as ice cream, soups, baked goods, and smoked meats.  It is expected the project will result in 20 new full-time positions.  Company owner, Keith Zimmerman commented “We feel blessed by the growth we’ve experienced at Plum Creek and believe this expansion will allow us to continue to cheerfully serve our customers and community for many years.”

Joshua and Joyce Zimmerman: Joshua and Joyce Zimmerman have received approval for a $165,000 PIDA loan that will help them with the acquisition of a 37-acre tract of unimproved cropland along Haas Road.  It will be used for crop farming, for corn and soybeans production and will supplement their existing farm operation also located in Windsor Township.

Daryl Z. Weaver:  PIDA approved a $400,000 loan to support the acquisition of an organic poultry broiler and crop farm for Daryl Z. Weaver.  The 43-acre site  is located in Perry Township at 886 Laurel Road.  In addition to chickens, the farm also raises corn and soybeans.

Senator David G. Argall (R-29) commented, “PIDA financing for projects like these, supporting various agriculture production opportunities, adds value to this industry.  I am pleased to see these family farms continue to grow.”

PIDA is a state authority established in 1956 and is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.   The GBDF is the Certified Economic Development Organization for Berks County.

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