MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — State officials, farmers and students are set to celebrate Agricultural Day at the State House on April 4, 2017. This annual event brings together farmers and agricultural organizations to showcase locally-grown food and farm products and to have their voices heard by legislators about issues affecting the agricultural community.
Massachusetts’ ag sector generates almost $492 million of revenue per year and is responsible for maintaining almost 524,000 acres of open space. More importantly, the number of farms in the Commonwealth continues to grow as the buy local movement continues to build momentum.
“Agriculture is an important industry for Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation President Ed Davidian, who farms in Northborough. “Issues affecting farmers demand attention. The challenges and opportunities we face do not affect us alone, but our customers and communities as well.”
This event is a collaborative effort between the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Massachusetts Agricultural Promotional Board and about 35 commodity and trade organizations and state or federal agencies.
The tentative schedule of events for the day are as follows:
– 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Registration, Bartlett Hall
– 10:00 a.m. Farmer Orientation on Agricultural Issues, Nurses Hall
– 10:00 – 11:15 a.m. Farmer/Legislator Visits
– 11:30 – 12:15 a.m. Speaking Program, Nurses Hall
– 12:00 p.m. Taste of Massachusetts Reception & Exhibits, Great Hall & Grand Staircase Area
For the concluding reception in the Great Hall, culinary students and instructors from the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Program prepare and present a Taste of Massachusetts menu, using products donated from approximately 40 farms and food producers across the Commonwealth.
For more information on Ag Day, please contact MFBF’s office at 508-481-4766 or info@mfbf.net.
—Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
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