The following letter to the editor appeared in The Waterbury Republican-American on March 22, 2007. It was written by two FOBK board members to thank the Republican-American for their recent spotlight on our organization.
Town should run Boulder Knoll Farm
Copyright © 2007 Republican-American
Those who love our state’s farms want to express our thanks to the Republican-American for the front-page article March 6 by staff writer Lauresha Xhihani on Boulder Knoll Farm in Cheshire. The article was timely and informative.
Communities across Connecticut are losing farmland at an alarming rate. In the past 20 years or so, our state has lost more than 20 percent of its farmland. At this rate, there will be no farmland left in just two generations.
Along with losing our ability to grow local produce, we’re losing the wisdom of the few remaining farmers, and we may no longer be able train a new generation unless we take steps now.
The town-owned Boulder Knoll property could be a marvelous resource, once brought back to productivity. A town farm can grow fresh, local produce for use in the schools, support local farmers, preserve precious agricultural land and educate a new generation about food and farming.
Our hats are off to Ms. Xhihani. We hope her story inspires other communities to work to protect and restore Connecticut farmland, and promote farming.
Greg Melville
Susan Fox
Cheshire
The writers are treasurer and board member, respectively, of Friends of Boulder Knoll Inc.