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Letter to Congressman Bernard Sanders reguarding legislation and the continued support of sustainable agriculture in the NORTHEAST
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Congressman Bernie Sanders
1 Church St. 2nd Floor
Burlington, VT 05401
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Congressman Sanders,
The debate over the last year concerning the Northeast Dairy Compact has been a trying battle as you are well aware. As a resident of the State of Vermont, I would like to begin by thanking you for your dedication and devotion to the hard working farmers of this great state. The recent trend of family farms slowly going under is of great concern to many others and myself. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, from 1999 to 2000 Vermont lost over 100 farms, while the average size in acres of our farms increased. This trend has been seen throughout the country and affects many aspects of life within farming communities. As the small farms fail, large farms continue to grow resulting in many agricultural problems. These may include greater agricultural runoff into streams and rivers, social and economic issues within farming communities, and loss of prime agricultural land. As I am sure you know, each of these issues along with a host of others, can dramatically alter the way of life that many of us hold dear.
Thus, the implementation of a new program to assist the small farmer is of the utmost importance. A program that not only assists the dairy farmer, but all farmers that are working endless hours and barely making a livable wage. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and our lives. It provides food for our children, a relationship between producers and consumers, and is an important part of community. The movement toward large-scale production jeopardizes the family farm while promoting corporate agriculture. These are all examples that we certainly do not want to see happen in Vermont.
As a student at Johnson State College, I am open to any suggestions that you or your staff may offer on ways to become involved in preserving our family farms and protecting our landscape. Again, I thank you for your work in helping the farming communities of the Northeast and I wish you the best of luck in the introduction of new legislation.
Sincerely,
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