Jaime Foster

Earlier today, I had the pleasure of joining Seth Bahler President of Oakridge Dairy, Governor Lamont, Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt, Joan Nichols from the Farm Bureau and many other ag advocates for a visit to Oakridge Dairy in Ellington. The governor announced that we will allocate nearly $10 million in ARPA funds to dairy and aquaculture industries, farmers markets and the emergency food system throughout the state. This effort is a timely investment in agriculture and food security which are much needed in our district. 

The funding allocated towards local dairy farms will provide crucial support to an industry that has been in a tough financial spot long before the pandemic -  they can't raise prices to when costs increase because of federal ag policy.  The expansion of the farmers market nutrition program for families and seniors, as well as the increase of funds for emergency food distribution programs, will ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy and affordable groceries. The Ellington Farmers Market is already one of the top SNAP, WIC and Senior Farmers Market voucher matching programs in the state and this infusion of cash not only helps the families who use these programs but the farmers and our local economy as well. 
 
Lastly, I am hearing from farmers who are suffering this rainy season and I'm listening. We're hoping this is a start to an infusion of support into the ag sector.
 
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