About this Event
Made possible by the Strategic Networks & Initiatives Program (SNIP) Launch Grant, this landmark event unites cider makers, agricultural producers, researchers, and businesses to share knowledge, spark collaboration, and explore the unique opportunities and challenges in Pennsylvania's cider industry. Cider industry professionals and cider enthusiasts are all welcome.
Speakers and presenters include Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, New York Cider Association Executive Director Scott Ramsey, Pennsylvania State University's Dr. Troy Ott, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, and Dr. Shan Kumar, who will Emcee the event, among many others.
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration & Coffee
Info: Check in for the event, complete your name tag, and enjoy complimentary coffee and light refreshments.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome Address
Host: Dr. Shan Kumar, Pennsylvania State University
Info: Hear from cider industry leaders and supporters as we set the stage for our day together.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
The Pennsylvania Cider Industry
Host: Ben Wenk, PA Cider Guild President
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Growing a Cider Economy: Lessons from New York
Host: Scott Ramsey, Cider Assc. of New York
Info: Deep dive into how New York’s cider-making community—boosted by policymakers and industry leaders—crafted a fertile environment for cider’s resurgence.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
🕑: 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Research Session I: Cider Apple Production
Host: Dr. Shan Kumar, Pennsylvania State University
Info: PRSENTATION #1: Cider apple orchard design considerations with Dr. Gregory Peck, Cornell University | PRESENTATION #2: Cider apple varieties for PA and topworking cider varieties with Dr. Shan Kumar, Pennsylvania State University | PRESENTATION #3: Harvest and post-harvest management of cider apples with Dr. Gregory Peck, Cornell University
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Info: Share a meal and forge new connections with growers, researchers, cider markers and industry leaders. Posters will be open for viewing.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Research Session II: Fermentation & Cider Making
Host: Chris Gerling, Cornell University
Info: PRESENTATION #1: Low-ABV and low-calorie cider with Chris Gerling, Cornell University | PRESENTATION #2: Tannins and mouthfeel in hard cider with Dr. Misha Kwasniewski, Pennsylvania State University, featuring a cider and cheese pairing with PA Cider Guild President Ben Wenk; bring your favorite cider (or two) to share! | PRESENTATION #3: Common issues in hard cider fermentation, Case studies and Q&A
🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Research Session III: Consumer Trends & Marketing
Host: Dr. Kathy Kelley, Pennsylvania State University
Info: PRESENTATION #1: Mid-atlantic cider consumers: landscape of change with Dr. Kathy Kelley, Pennsylvania State University | PRESENTATION #2: Increasing footfall in orchard cideries through agritourism with Dr. Claudia Schmidt, Pennsylvania State University | PRESENTATION #3: Producer Panel on Marketing
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Cider Tasing, Networking, and Poster Sessions
Info: Sample a selection of hard ciders from producers across the Commonwealth and walk through student and collaborator posters on cider-related research.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Erie Room, Crossroads Conference Center at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, United States
USD 44.52 to USD 1000.00
