Fidanza elected president of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture

The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture was formed in 1785 for the purpose of exploring and promoting best practices in agriculture. Early members include Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Today, that mission continues to promote and also expand our knowledge of the many aspects of our diverse and economically important agriculture industry. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA member Dr. Michael Fidanza, was elected to serve as their 239th President during 2025–2026. 

The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture conducts monthly meetings and field trips with various topics to encourage learning about current and new technology and how it impacts agriculture, our natural resources, and sustainability, particularly within food production systems. To support the next generation in agriculture, the Society also provides students with scholarships to support their educational goals and opportunities that lead to the pursuit of successful careers in agriculture and the food industry. In addition, the  Society makes it archives available for research scholars and also the general public at the University of Pennsylvania Library (Philadelphia, PA).

Dr. Fidanza's background in agriculture began at an early age, working on his father’s mushroom farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  He is a  Professor of Plant and Soil Science at the Pennsylvania State University’s Berks Campus in Reading, PA; he is an ASA Fellow, past chair of CSSA’s Division C5 (Turfgrass Science), and recent recipient of the Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Science Award.