Agriculture Commission

AGRICULTURE COMMISSION

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Fruit Tree Grafters Save Nine Heirloom Apples (to see the article by Monty Carlson, click on link below labeled 'Apple Tree Grafting Workshop')

The FDA is actively seeking public feedback on the question of the term 'natural' with respect to food.  They will then draft regulations for food producers in advertising and labeling their products  For more information, call 603-284-6294.

NH farmland is being lost at an alarming rate - 90% since 1925.  To find out what can be done about this, go to the links under 'Farmland Access'.
  
NH Dairy Facts:
*  There are 125 dairy farms in the state with an ave of 115 milking animals per farm.
*  60 - 70% of the state's cropland is managed or maintained by dairy farmers.
*  Only 30% of the price you pay for milk at the grocery store gets back to farmers.
*  99% of NH dairy farms are family owned.
*  Cows have an excellent sense of smell and can detect odors up to six miles away.
*  Milk is comprised of 85 - 95% water.
*  The term 'cow' refers only to the females of the bovine population.
*  Cows only have bottom teeth.

Farm Facts:
*  There are 4,400 farms that support 20,000 jobs in the state
*  $1.2 billion is spent on agritourism related activities in NH  
*  NH is #3 on the national locavore index (based on direct sales to consumers, number of farmers' markets, CSA's and farm stands, and school programs). VT, ME, and MA are also in the top 5.     
*  Did you know that less than 1% of the U.S. population are farmers?      
*  In 2015, New Hampshire produced 4% of the total US output of maple syrup. 

Arsenic may be in your well water.  Take part in the low-cost arsenic testing program this fall. (Call 284-6294 for more information).  Click on the link "Arsenic in Drinking Water" below......
 

Food Waste:  Around a third of the food produced worldwide goes uneaten, wasting billions in natural resources. In U.S. landfills, rotting food accounts for a huge portion of methane emissions.  Click on the "Links of Interest' on the right side of this page to hear a one hour podcast of the Diane Rhem Show. 

Download a copy of the The Food Keeper, a consumers' guide to how long you can store foods in a pantry, refigerator, or freezer for optimal quality and flavor.  Go to the 'Links' tab on this page, then click on The Food Keeper (first link on the list). 

What are GMO's and why are they controversial today?  To learn basic concepts of genetic engineering technology and the pro's & con's of food labeling, see 'GMO Primer' at the lower right corner of this page. 01/08/14 

Persistent herbicides are appearing in in commercial composts, hay, and animal feeds. To learn more about the potentially harmful effects of these products on your garden, see the articles linked to this site. (Click on the link at the lower right corner of this page.)  08/15/13 

The Sandwich Agriculture Commission was created in 2010 with the following mission:

  • To protect and sustain the rural, agricultural character and history of the town as outlined in the current master plan.
  • To be a public voice for the town of Sandwich agricultural community.
  • To encourage and advocate for educational programs, initiatives, policies, and practices that are related to the enhancement of the rural, agricultural, historical, and future impact of such within the town on Sandwich. 
  • To act as a resource to town boards, committees and individuals on issues related to agriculture and land use policy.

    The expected outcome of our work is to be the best agricultural commission in the state.

Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Benz Center..  We encourage the members of our community to attend and share thoughts and suggestions on how the Agriculture Commission can best serve your needs.

© 2021 Sandwich, NH Physical: 8 Maple St, Center Sandwich, NH 03227
Mailing: PO Box 194, Center Sandwich, NH 03227
Phone:  603-284-7701

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