Letter: Joe stands up for our region’s family farms

Felix Giordono of Ashford writes in the Willimantic Chronicle about Joe’s efforts to support our region’s dairy farmers and family farms.

Many of us attend farmers markets because we understand the importance of purchasing locally grown products.

The foods are not only healthier and fresher but buying them helps sustain the farms that dot our precious Connecticut landscape. If not for these farms, there would be less open space.

That translates to more housing developments, shopping centers and industrial parks all requiring additional local and state services, which demand higher taxes from all of us.

One person who fights to keep these local farms from disappearing is U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd. As you know, the present economic landscape has put a squeeze on everyone but none has been hit harder than Connecticut’s dairy farmers. While their operating costs continue to rise, the price they charge for milk is set by the federal government, which prevents our farmers from making a profit.

Courtney has not stood by. His letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack prompted action and Courtney also helped bring Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan to Connecticut to see the issue firsthand.

As founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus, Courtney is well versed in what is required to keep Connecticut farming viable.

A vote for Courtney this November will ensure the quality of life that you and your families are accustomed to.