What’s good for farmers

By The Daily Progress

Published: July 3, 2008

Richmond continues to try innovative ideas to support Virginia’s farmers.

The latest is a program to link farm produce to colleges and universities, public and private grade schools in an effort to provide fresh foods to students and at the same time expand markets for farmers.

Plus, organizers hope, the Farm-to-School program will help schoolchildren — many of whom have never been on a farm — to understand where food comes from and the importance of maintaining agriculture. (Hint: Milk comes from a cow, not a carton. Don’t laugh. Some children really don’t know that.)

Locally grown food can be fresher and healthier than that obtained through conventional purchasing. Some of the farm products offered to schools are even organic.

And using local foods can be better for the environment by, among other things, reducing transportation and its pollution.

A Web site has been launched to facilitate connections between farmers and schools. 

“We are essentially offering a matchmaking service here,” said Elaine Lid-holmof the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“If a farmer or a group of farmers says, ‘Yes, we can provide apples … for your school and deliver [them] right to your door,’ we want to be able to connect them with a school that wants that service.”

In another program, the state helps link people who are interested in getting into agriculture with farmers who are ready to retire or sell. In many families, the tradition of children following their parents into farming has been broken, yet farmers may not know how to find outside buyers who want to continue the land in agricultural use.

Virginia’s tourism department also helps market farms that double as bed and breakfasts, giving guests a chance to experience farm life or just to relax and observe.

Appreciation of agriculture is a very Jeffersonian value. Only recently has it become important for state government to boost agriculture, but if we are not to lose this fundamental resource such assistance seems necessary.

A get-well card

We join fans, neighbors and other well-wishers in extending hopes for a quick recovery to LeRoi Moore, sax player for the Dave Matthews Band.

Mr. Moore was riding an ATV on his farm on June 30 when he was injured in an accident.

His condition at the University of Virginia Medical Center first was listed as critical, later upgraded to fair (where it remains as of this writing).

The Dave Matthews Band, of course, is one of this community’s favorite local success stories. The band, through its charitable foundation and individually, gives much to the community in addition to good music.

Mr. Moore is said to be improving — able to talk and even to joke.

We wish him a full and speedy recovery.