Old MacDonald HAD a Farm

by Auntie M on Jun 11, 2009

We’ve been noticing in our emails and on our website the things that most interest our readers are, in general, anything to do with food. From our weekly recipes and local restaurant picks to farmers markets and home gardening.

Of course there’s something universal about food — we all have to eat — but there’s also something wonderful going on right now, across the country and, in particular, here in the Hudson Valley. It’s almost a celebration of local food. There is a new curiosity about it: Where to find good food, why it tastes the way it does, how it’s prepared…is it healthy and most importantly…where does it come from.

As you all know, we, at Hammertown, are big supporters of our local farms and farmers. They have been instrumental in preserving our beautiful surroundings which remind us every day how blessed we are by nature and its bounty. But, like most rural areas within a few hours of a large city, there is the constant threat of careless development that can change the rural character and economy of a place forever. Right now in the U.S., every minute of every day, we lose two acres of agricultural land to development. Family farms in our area are disappearing while the demand for food (locally and globally) increases. Yes, everyone’s using all the buzzwords and talking about sustainable & local and slow food but there is no local food without local farmland.

The good news is there are ways we can all help to preserve our farmland…to make sure Old MacDonald KEEPS his Farm.

One group that is determined to protect farmland across the entire country is American Farmland Trust. You might have seen their bumper stickers on the counter when checking out at Hammertown Barn: “NO FARMS NO FOOD”. Another great local organization is the Columbia Land Conservancy. You can also help to support local farming by buying Hudson Valley Fresh dairy products at your local grocery store (if you don’t see it…ask for it). This time of year we can buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. We can also pick them or grow them ourselves. There’s a lot we can do, we just have to do it.

This week we’re featuring local farms and farm products in Columbia County. Click the link below or the image above for a map and listing of Farms & Farm Products from the Columbia Land Conservancy. It’s a great resource for finding local farms and produce in your area.

NEXT WEEK: Dutchess County