LETTER FROM GROTON LOCAL: Align Local Farming Guidelines

Dear Editor

There is considerable evidence that our community shows appreciation for our local farmers through expanding CSA subscriptions and healthy attendance numbers at our weekly farmers' market. School gardens and community gardens were very much a part of the local scene at the beginning of the 20th century as they seem to be at the start of this new one.

Farming certainly has changed over the past hundred years as well as the number of farmers who labor all through the year to plan and plant the food that sustains us. We are fortunate that our town has held on to our tradition of supporting our established farmers and  trying to attract beginning  farmers to our region. The  Massachusetts legislature, too,  has done its part to encourage the agricultural economy as well.

Massachusetts ranks 28th in the first Strolling of the Heifers Locavore Index that measures a community's commitment to growing and eating locally produced food (http://www.strollingoftheheifers.com). We can help our state move up in the ranks, so let's make sure that we have greater access to our growers and ask our town to align with the state's agricultural guidelines. Let the farmers do what they know how to do and don't bog them down with unnecessary regulations. Support the amendment proposed by the Agricultural Commission and the Planning Board to be voted on at our spring town meeting and let's get on with the growing season unencumbered.

Sincerely,

Groton Local

Board of Directors