Agriculture in the Pocono Mountains Region
Agriculture has deep roots in northeastern Pennsylvania, and the Pocono Mountains region is no exception. While the area is better known today as a tourist destination and bedroom community for New York and New Jersey commuters, farming has shaped the landscape and culture of Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon counties for generations. From small family farms and roadside produce stands to larger operations producing dairy, livestock, and specialty crops, agriculture remains a meaningful part of the regional economy and identity.
Wayne County, in particular, has a strong agricultural tradition. The county is home to a significant number of active farms, many of them family-owned and operated for multiple generations. Dairy farming has historically been one of the dominant agricultural sectors in the region, though the challenges facing the dairy industry nationally — including low milk prices and consolidation — have affected local farms as well.
Monroe County, despite its rapid development over the past two decades, still maintains farmland in its northern and western portions. The county’s agricultural scene includes vegetable farms, orchards, and greenhouse operations that supply local farmers markets and farm stands. The growth of the local food movement has created new opportunities for small producers to connect directly with consumers in the region.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Penn State Extension office serve farmers throughout the Pocono region, providing resources on crop management, livestock health, conservation practices, and business planning. State programs supporting farmland preservation have helped protect some working agricultural land from development pressure, though the challenge of keeping farmland in production as land values rise remains significant.
The Pocono Review covers agricultural stories across the region, including farm news, local food initiatives, and issues affecting the farming community in northeastern Pennsylvania. We believe that understanding the agricultural heritage of this region is essential to understanding its past and its future.