The 2008 Connecticut General Assembly session is now history. Working closely with other organizations, the Connecticut State Grange was able to get several important bills passed.

Our major accomplishment was passage of the Face of Connecticut bill. This bill creates a fund for local and regional open space programs, farmland conservation and stewardship, affordable housing, revitalization of urban parks, historic preservation, and clean up of contaminated properties. It encourages both the preservation of Connecticut’s rural lands and the redevelopment of their decaying industrial areas, thus reducing the demand for industrial sprawl. At first glance, these programs appear
to be quite diverse, but they all contribute to preserving the heritage and the quality of life in Connecticut. The Face of Connecticut bill provides for a parallel program to the State’s existing farmland preservation program, which will concentrate on smaller farms that are important locally. While there are no funds to start up this new program, the authorization is in place, an important first step in getting any new program up and running.

Another important bill was passed to help the dairy farmers by promoting the use of milk and milk products. Like the Face of Connecticut bill, no money was appropriated for this milk promotion, but we at least have the legislation in place when the funds are available.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced the launch of its “Ag Tag” spring kick-off campaign with the goal to have 1500 plates reserved by August. If the target goal is made, the agriculture specialty license plate will take its place alongside sixteen other plates currently offered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Proceeds from the plates will go to the Massachusetts Agriculture Trust Fund in support of innovative programs to further the sustainability and vibrancy of the agricultural community. The “Ag Tag” recently received a mini make-over that features the new tagline “Go Locally Grown!” The change was made to better capture the exponential interest in buy local initiatives throughout the state. MDAR is currently updating its brochures and website information and is planning an aggressive campaign this summer to work with commodity groups and local farmers’ markets to promote the plate. “The Ag Tag is a moving bill board seen by thousands of drivers every day. It’s an excellent way to positively brand the Massachusetts agricultural community,” said Commissioner Doug Petersen.