Pocono Organics will have a presence at Pocono Raceway "once its first harvest arrives next year," according to Jason Nark of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. The 50-acre farm "is the brainchild" of Ashley Walsh, granddaughter of late Pocono Raceway Founder Dr. Joseph Mattioli. It will "include 40,000 square feet of greenhouses, a living 'vegetative' roof that will collect rainwater, and an additional 30,000-square-foot processing and storage building, all connected to the track’s 39,000-plus solar panels." Pocono Organics "will also eventually have a storefront, wedding space, and host wellness and yoga retreats, all across the street from a venue fueled by gasoline, rubber, and light beer." Fruit and vegetables grown there "will be used at the raceway, both for the fans and all the racing crews, and in turn, the raceway will supply compost from leftover food, which adds up with a capacity of 76,000-plus." The farm held a groundbreaking on Friday and looks to be "one of the largest organic facilities of its kind in Northeast Pennsylvania." Walsh said Pocono Organics "will create 100 jobs" (PHILLY.com, 7/31).
