If you think about it, wherever we are in Connecticut, we are never more than a half an hour away from a rural area. The abundance of agricultural landscape is among the many reasons why I love living here. And farmland means farmer’s markets and agricultural fairs all across the rolling hills of our beautiful state. This year the legislature committed millions of dollars to preserve farmland for future generations.

Farmers’ markets provide an opportunity for farms of all sizes to sell their crops directly to us and for consumers to purchase fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables from our local farms. The legislature has arranged for our seniors and women with children who are nutritionally at risk to benefit from the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and The Women, Infants, and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Eligible p articipants receive $15 worth of vouchers that can be used at designated farmers' markets to purchase Connecticut grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Participating farmers are reimbursed for the full face value of the vouchers.

Connecticut offers over 65 farmers’ markets across the state. For a complete list, visit the state Department of Agriculture website at www.ct.gov/doag, or call 860-713-2544. If you have never tried a farmer’s market, I encourage you to stop by and see the wonderful, freshly picked produce and other specialty items.

The Department of Agriculture lists eight local farmers’ markets, including:

• Groton Farmers’ Market at the Groton Shopping Plaza on Route 1; Wednesdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Mystic Farmers’ Market at the Quambaug Fire House on Route 1; Tuesdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Pawcatuck Farmers’ Market at Pawcatuck Park On The River at West Broad & Mechanic Streets; Thursdays 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Stonington Farmers’ Market at Town Fishing Fleet Pier: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12 noon

As autumn approaches, I want to remind you that fair season is getting into full swing. Going to fairs is a time-tested, fun-filled family activity. What kid – or adult – isn’t thrilled by the sight of farm animals and delighted at the opportunity to sample the food that is a staple of every fair? Fortunately for us, there are plenty of fairs around.

Coming up September 2 nd - 4 th is the Montville Fair at the Camp Oakdale Pavilion. This year the agricultural show has returned to the fair. For more information, including directions, visit www.montvillefair.org., or call 860-886-3135. The following weekend is the 60 th annual Ledyard Fair, scheduled for September 9 th thru September 11 th. Parking is available at both Ledyard High School and Junior High School. For more information please visit www.ledyardfair.org.

Don’t forget some of the larger fairs in the state. The Brooklyn Fair, August 25 th – 28 th, the Hebron Harvest Fest September 8 th – 11 th and The Durham Fair September 23 rd – 25 th. Information regarding all fairs in the state is available at www.ctfairs.org.

When you are at the fairs, don’t miss the agriculture show. Our farmers love to show off their prized animals and vegetables. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate their way of life and meet the people who are behind the “CT Grown” label. Remember that buying local means dairy farms too! Look for the new “Farmer’s Cow” label on milk from several eastern Connecticut dairy farms or other locally produced milk and dairy products.

I hope you are enjoying the summer as much as I am. Meanwhile, if you are interested in knowing more about state government and the General Assembly, I encourage you to visit the General Assembly’s website at www.cga.ct.gov.. Of course, you can always call me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-1421 or send me an e-mail at Catherine.Cook@cga.ct.gov.