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About
Us |
The
Land Trust for the
Little Tennessee
88 East Main Street
P. O. Box 1148
Franklin, NC 28744-1148
Phone: 828-524-2711
Fax: 828-524-4741
Email: LTLT
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The
Franklin Press March 27, 2007 |
| You can help stem the loss of state farmland North Carolina, along with Florida and Tennessee, led the nation in the loss of farms last year. In this case, achieving the top spot is a matter for concern rather than pride. When we lose farms, we lose the ability to produce our food. We become dependent on others for our most basic needs. We also lose open space that plays a crucial role in the environment. And we lose a significant part of our heritage. Since 2002, our state has lost 6,000 farms and 300,000 acres of farmland. Farmers and would-be farmers in Macon County feel the pressure. Rising land prices make it harder for families to hold onto their farms and for young farmers to acquire property. If you do the grocery shopping for your household, pay attention to where the food in your cart comes from. It’s amazing. Agriculture has become a global enterprise. This is not all bad. Being able to put delicacies from around the world on your dinner table adds excitement, variety and interest to your diet and extends the season for fresh produce. But there is nothing like locally grown food for taste, nutrition and economy. Local foods don’t take a trip on a steamer before they reach your kitchen. Food is fresher when it gets to you; it is better for you, more delicious, and has a longer shelf life. Buying locally also helps conserve energy and reduce harmful emissions. You don’t have to be a farmer yourself to help preserve farms and farmland in our state and county. There are several things you can do. First, support local growers. Grocery stores have begun adding signs to help you choose “locally grown” or “North Carolina grown” items. Select these products when you can, and let store managers know you appreciate their making this choice available to you. Before long, the season for farmers markets and roadside stands will begin. Patronizing these entrepreneurs is a great way to build a market for local produce and improve your health at the same time. Also, look for ways to support agritourism initiatives in the region, such as hayrides, corn mazes and county fairs. Help your kids understand the importance of farming to their lives. Maybe some of them will want to become farmers some day; if they do, it will be great to have farmland available for them to work. Second, support the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee. This organization works regionally to help farmers preserve their land through conservation easements. Third, support legislative action. Let our state legislators know that you favor additional funding for the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. A bill in the legislature would appropriate $10 million for this fund — a portion of that would come to Western North Carolina. Senator John Snow and Representative Phil Haire are behind the bill — let them know you appreciate their efforts. Legislator addresses:
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