The future of farming depends on you
Walk into a New England farmers market in July and you’ll find tables overflowing with fresh produce. By October, those same tables look sparse, and some visitors leave disappointed. But that’s not failure on the farmer’s part — it’s simply the reality of farming here.
Our growing season in New England is short. Frost comes early, soil cools quickly and, without expensive greenhouses and heating systems, fresh produce becomes impossible this late in the year. At the same time, farmland is shrinking. Between 2001 and 2016, New England lost more than 100,000 acres of agricultural land to development. Projections suggest that by 2040, New England could lose another 267,000 acres of farmland if current trends continue.
Small farmers also face high costs. We pay nearly the same price for grain as consumers do at the feed store, and no one offers us bulk discounts at the butcher. Add in zoning/planning board approvals, certified scale inspections, insurance hikes and health department requirements, and the challenges stack even higher.
Yet farms continue. But the truth is, we cannot do it alone. Farming in New England will only survive if communities choose to support it. That means buying local, embracing seasonality, and valuing fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and even the crafts. It means showing up at town meetings and making sure ordinances support — not hinder — agriculture.
The future of farming here isn’t guaranteed. It’s a choice. And it belongs to all of us.