The Changing Face Of Agriculture—

 Newtown’s Farms Are On The Map With State’s Agricultural Department

By Kendra Bobowick

The state is updating its map to Connecticut’s hidden agricultural treasures.

In bloom at the end of a country lane, but hidden from view, is Shortt’s Farm & Garden Center. Also in Sandy Hook tucked within a rustic setting are grapes ripening and wine fermenting at McLaughlin Vineyards. Corn, pumpkins, tomatoes, sunflowers, azaleas, ice cream, and chardonnay all rank among Newtown’s crops thirsting for consumers’ attention.

Aiding the agricultural community’s struggle for the public eye is the Connecticut Farm Map, preparing for its second publication under the direction of Connecticut’s Department of Agriculture (DOAG). The map was previously produced by Connecticut Farmland Trust. With a detailed map on one side, the fold-out informational brochure also provides brief descriptions of farms and walks shoppers through more than 220 farmers’ markets and other agricultural businesses comprising the state’s resources.

Sue Shortt said simply, “It helps.”

The farm map contains a legend indicating tree farms, farm stands, locations for live stock and equine services, wineries, seafood, maple syrup houses, orchards, greenhouses and nurseries, orchards and destinations to pick your own berries, fruit, and produce.

Seeing an opportunity for improved exposure, Morgen McLaughlin of McLaughlin Vineyards believes the Connecticut Farm Map needs a little more glitter to attract attention.

“I think the brochure is beautiful and they did a great job, but there is no website that goes with it.”

She believes consumers need something more interactive when they prepare to make a trip through town or tour a neighboring county.

The World Wide Web is the key, in her experience.

“When there is a [wine] trail it’s more effective than just printing a brochure,” she said. She indicated that roughly 80 percent of her walk-in traffic comes from the Connecticut wine trail, which is highly visible at ctwine.com.

According to the DOAG Marketing department information, some of the money generated from fees charged to farmers listed on the map will go toward the development of “a special farm map website.”

Ms McLaughlin enjoyed this news, saying, “A website would target many mainstream people.”

DOAG Marketing Representative Jaime Lizee said “We’re in the process of utilizing information from the 2005 map to create a website; it is in the works.”

Her marketing department is also prepared to take this year’s updated information and drop it into the website. Ms Lizee explained that overall, the map and website to follow aim to boost awareness of the families and businesses making a living from agriculture.

 “The map is to promote agritourism, getting people to think of agriculture as more than the stinky farmer down the street,” Ms Lizee said.

Governor Jodi M. Rell makes a statement in the map/brochure beginning, “Welcome to our beautiful state…” Her brief comments conclude by saying, “From its Colonial roots to today, Connecticut’s agricultural tradition thrives. Make the most of it.”

Ms Lizee explained that establishments could be overlooked.

Some of the state’s dairy farms have turned to agritourism, offering more to residents than the view of their cows in a field.

 “You might hear cows and you might smell manure, but go to the creamery and pet the cows, have ice cream,” Ms Lizee said.

Local agriculturalists such as the Ferrises have opened the Ferris Acres Creamery to the public, adapting their dairy farm to produce ice cream as a retail business. Like the Shortts whose livelihood depends on sales to the public, many residents living off the land are striving to for a foothold among consumers.

Tim Currier of Sticks & Stones Farm works the land for stone and moss. His son Ethan crafts stone sculpture.

Regarding the farm map, Tim Currier said, “I already sent my money in.” Promoting agriculture is “a high priority.”

He sees the town and state both making efforts to support the farming community. He maintains his stone and moss farm where he harvests landscaping rock and cultivates fields of moss. His son operates in his workshop preparing sculpture for himself or on commission. On the grounds are outbuildings including the stone cabin, cliff cabin, tulip (poplar) cabin, and other locations welcoming guests. Recently one area was used  for a sweat lodge ceremony; other ongoing activities include yoga instruction. “Anything healthy,” said Mr Currier.

On September 3 at 2 pm is a Rock Farm Boogie with bands and food and activities. “Walks in the Woods” and “A Weekend in the Woods” are also advertised. Visit sticksandstonesfarm.com

 

On The Map

DOAG, and locally, the Newtown Economic Development Commission, are making efforts to sustain the state’s agriculture.

Aimed at awareness, the Connecticut Farm Map is now gathering information to make updates for a new edition. The map will be a full color, comprehensive road map. To be included an agribusiness must produce the majority of products sold, have regular hours, and be open to the public at least five days a week and seven hours a day on a seasonal or year-round basis. The fee is $150 for locations listed. The registration deadline is October 17. Contact 860-713-2503. The new maps are scheduled to come out next summer.

Newtown Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker said, “This is a marketing opportunity as far as I read it.”

Ms Stocker is part of an economic development initiative to support Newtown’s agricultural roots. She and the Economic Development Commission encouraged a think-tank of local agricultural business people to get together and consider ways to support the farming community.

On a state level, Ms Stocker is encouraged to see an interest in bolstering the businesses dependent on the land. She also sees a similarity to thoughts that emerged from Newtown’s farming sector.

“At the agricultural roundtable we thought a map would be appropriate for getting business to this community,” Ms Stocker said.

On the current state map are Ferris Acres Creamery at 144 Sugar Street in Newtown, Medridge Tree Farm at 113 Walnut Tree Hill Road in Sandy Hook, Shortt’s Farm & Garden Center at 52A Riverside Road in Sandy Hook, and Sticks & Stones Farm at 201 Huntingtown Road in Newtown.