By Sara Karnish, Penn State BerksWYOMISSING, Pa. — Michael Fidanza, professor of plant and soil science at Penn State Berks, has been named president of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture. Early members were some of the most notable figures of the young United States—Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington among them. Today, the Society’s mission to promote and expand members’ knowledge of the many aspects of our diverse and economically important agriculture industry continues. “It is an honor to serve in this capacity, and give back to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. This industry has supported my research and teaching mission by providing financial support, gift-in-kind support, and employment opportunities for our agricultural science students at Penn State Berks,” Fidanza said.