Connecticut has an abundance of home-grown farm products throughout the year, but now that it is summer at last, we can enjoy the freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables as well as our farm fresh dairy products produced by our neighbors’ hands.
 
To help our farmers promote their bounty, this year the General Assembly passed legislation that will help all of us become more aware of the locally grown farm products.  I am proud to have played a part in helping develop programs to appreciate the contribution of farmers to our state economy.  I also am pleased that these programs will encourage you to shop locally!

Under this year’s legislation, which took effect July 1st, the commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture will design, plan and implement a multi-year statewide marketing and advertising campaign, including television and radio advertisements, promoting the availability and advantages of purchasing Connecticut-grown farm products.

We will be creating, and updating a website connected to the advertising program to include a comprehensive listing of Connecticut’s farmer’s markets, pick-your-own farms, roadside and farm markets, farm wineries, garden centers and nurseries selling predominantly Connecticut- grown horticultural products, and agri-tourism events and attractions. The agriculture commissioner will also promote business relationships between farmers and restaurants, grocery stores, institutional cafeterias and other potential institutional purchasers of Connecticut-grown products. This includes linking farmers and potential purchasers through a separate feature of the website, and inviting farmers and potential institutional customers to participate in statewide or regional events promoting Connecticut-grown farm products.

Of course, the state Department of Agriculture has been promoting Connecticut Grown products for many years now; most state residents are probably familiar with the “Connecticut Grown” logo often seen on farm products grown and produced here. A great deal of information is already available on the state agriculture department’s website at www.ct.gov/doag .

At this time of year, a lot of people – including me – are interested in finding out about our farmers’ markets, and that information is already available on the state agriculture department website. This year, the state Department of Agriculture welcomes eight new markets, bringing the total statewide to 82. The website lists the Denison Farmers’ Market in Stonington as one of the new ones, operating between noon and 3 p.m. on Sundays from June 4th thru October 29th.  All in all, there are 10 farmers’ markets located in New London County, including markets in Colchester, Stonington, Griswold, Groton, Mystic, New London, Norwich and Pawcatuck. Check the website for a complete listing of all 82 farmers’ markets, including days and hours of operation. If you prefer a brochure, send a self-addressed business-sized envelope with 39 cents postage to The Connecticut Department of Agriculture Farmers’ Market Brochure, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106.

I am proud to remain your Senator until my term ends in January and my office will remain open to assist you.  As always, I am interested in your thoughts and concerns.  I can be reached at the Capitol at 1-800-842-1421 or you can send me an e-mail at Catherine.Cook@cga.ct.gov.  I look forward to hearing from you.