Potter County farmers can learn about natural gas leasing opportunities from experts in the emerging field at an informational workshop to be held on September 24 in Coudersport, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture.

The workshop will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Coudersport High School auditorium.

The workshop will include speakers from the Department of Agriculture's Center for Farm Transitions, the Penn State University Dickinson School of Law's Center for Agricultural Law, and the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service and is sponsored by First Citizens National Bank of Mansfield.

"Pennsylvania farmers face many challenges, especially when it comes to profitability, making it essential that they be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks of new opportunities," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "With the discovery of new drilling technology and the rising cost of fossil fuels, the natural gas rush in Pennsylvania is unfolding.

"Natural gas found in Pennsylvania and surrounding states has the potential to fulfill the entire nation's natural gas requirements for two years, and farmers must educate themselves about gas leasing to decide whether they want to take advantage of the opportunity."

The two-hour program will explore natural gas issues, including drilling and exploration, development on leased land, negotiating with gas companies and signing a lease.

Dennis Hall from the Center for Farm Transitions will discuss the benefits and risks associated with natural gas leasing as a profit enhancing strategy; Bob Mosso of First Citizens Bank will offer information regarding income and tax implications of signing a lease; Ross Pifer, director of Penn State's Ag Law Center, will share information about mineral rights leases; and Nathan Bennett of NRCS will focus on environmental concerns, including the well drilling process and ground water issues.

Attendance is free and registration is not required.

For more information about the workshop, contact Kathleen Campbell at 570-662-8534 or visit the Center for Farm Transitions website or call 1-877-475-2686.

9/5/2008