Tell Monroe, CT: Support Small, Family Farms

Monroe, a small town in southwestern Connecticut, used to boast a bounty of family farms. It wasn't uncommon to find a dairy farm, chicken farm, and horse stable all on the same road. But as time goes on, many of these small, agricultural operations have transformed into McMansions and modern homes, to the detriment of the town's local food scene.

The situation in Monroe is far from unique. Across the country, small, family-run farms are falling victim to urban sprawl and development. According to American Farmland Trust, America loses two acres of productive farmland to development every minute of every day. Combined with the fact that farmers are aging — the average age of a farmer is now 57 — small, local farms are quickly disappearing. Meanwhile, massive factory farms and industrial agricultural operations expand and thrive.

A proposed ordinance aims to save Monroe's farming sector and allow it to thrive once more. Patrick O'Hara, a Monroe farmer, recently proposed a "right to farm" ordinance, a law that would offer small farmers some protections and encourage farming throughout the city. If the ordinance goes through, farmers could stop worrying about issues that threaten to destroy their livelihoods, like complaints from neighbors. This ordinance would encourage farming in the city and help promote a thriving, local food scene in Monroe.

Support the local food movement by signing our petition asking Monroe's planning an zoning commission to support the "right to farm" ordinance.

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