This was forwarded to me by a fellow eat-local enthusiast. This is important and there's plenty of information here to allow all of us to make an impression!
From the NH Farm Bureau - please call your state representative and let them know we need a Department of Agriculture in NH!
In a surprise development last Wednesday a floor amendment was offered in the Senate to SB 132, a study bill. The action establishes a Commission directed with developing implementation plans for merging: the Department of Cultural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, the Department of Fish and Game, the Division of Parks and Recreation, and the Division of Forests and Lands into a newly established Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Farm Bureau policy strongly supports an autonomous Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB 132 for Thursday, April 23, 11:00 a.m. in Room 306 of the Legislative Office Building. Strong attendance is needed at the hearing. If you can not attend the hearing, please call and voice your opposition to the members of the Committee nearest you and to your representative(s).
Talking Points
Financially the Department pulls its own weight. It sustains itself on a very modest budget. It is in no way a cause of the state’s budget problems.
Merging the Department would not save the state money. A merger could be used to mask a cut in services.
Losing the Department undermines the nearly billion dollar agricultural industry in the state ($975,000,000) and the local production of fresh and safe food. The farming industry strongly opposes any change or loss of the Commissioner of Agriculture position. The position and Department are nearly a century old and the Commissioner is a leader and spokesperson for the industry, particularly within state government.
The Department’s role is more important than ever. It has a series of experienced staffers who are readily accessible to farmers who need the support.
The Department is home to a long list of important services to agriculture and the general public (consumers)
Agriculture in the state is growing:
From 2002 - 2007 the number of farms in NH increased 24%, 3,363 to 4,166 (2007 Census of Agriculture)
From 2002 – 2007 land in farms increased 6%, 444,879 – 517,879 (2007 Census of Agriculture)
NH is ranked #1 in the nation in percentage of farms having direct sales to consumers (nearly 25%)
NH is ranked #1 in the nation in percentage of farms with women as principal operators (30%).
NH House Executive Departments and Administration Committee:
(note: while phone calls are most effective, if you need an email address use Who's My Leg? to communicate your opposition to the merger of the Dept of Ag under other departments)
Name/Title Towns Served Phone
Anne-Marie Irwin, Chair Peterborough, New Ipswich, Sharon, Greenville 924-6617
Laurie Harding, V.Chair Lebanon 448-5206
Maurice Pilotte, Clerk Manchester 623-8173
Patricia McMahon North Sutton, Newbury 927-4705
Jean Jeudy Manchester 645-5290
Peter Schmidt Dover 743-3751
Catriona Beck Bennington, Francestown, Greenland, Deering 588-3053
Daniel Sullivan Manchester 627-5044
Don Petterson Brentwood 772-4519
Charlotte Houde-Quimby Meriden, Cornish, Grantham 469-3205
Joan Flurey Manchester 624-0525
Ken Hawkins Bedford 472-8270
Russell Day Goffstown 497-3672
John Reagan Deerfield, Nottingham, Northwood, Candia 463-3009
Kenneth Gould Derry 432-9189
Stella Scamman Stratham, Exeter, North Hampton 772-3062
Carol McGuire Epsom 782-4918
Calvin Pratt Goffstown 497-4337
Donald Ryder Hollis, Brookline, Mason 465-2706
Carol Vita Middleton, Barrington, Farmington, Milton 755-9955
New Durham, Strafford
Representatives who are sponsors of SB 132:
Who's My Leg?
Name/Title Town Serviced Phone
Donna Schlackman Exeter, North Hampton, Stratham 772-4934
Sharon Nordgren Hanover 643-5086
Melissa Lyons Kingston, Hampstead, Plaistow 770-3979
Joseph Russell Stratham, Exeter, North Hampton 580-1504
Attend if you can! Public Hearing: Thursday, April 23
Executive Departments and Administration, Room 306, LOB
11:00 a.m. SB 132, establishing a commission to develop implementation plans for merging state agencies and programs to enhance efficiency and lower costs.
Forward this message to everyone you know that cares about food and farms in NH!
thanks,
Sara Zoe Patterson
Seacoast Eat Local
www.seacoasteatlocal.org
sarazoe@seacoasteatlocal.org
Links:
[1] http://www.seacoasteatlocal.org
[2] mailto:sarazoe@seacoasteatlocal.org