| OCTOBER 2009 -- Think the growing season has come to an end in Connecticut? Think again, says Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli.
"There still is a wide assortment of CT Grown products available across the state," Commissioner Prelli said on Tuesday. "Even though frost has hit in some areas, farmers who have fields in protected areas or who are using row covers and tunnels to protect their crops are continuing to harvest warm-season favorites such as sweet corn, tomatoes, and summer squash."
Rick Macsuga, a marketing representative who heads up the farmers' market programs at the Department, agreed. "People shouldn't let this week's cold snap scare them away from visiting their local farmers' market or farm stand," he said. "Many of these venues are open late into the fall or through the holidays. Some will continue right through the winter and offer a broad variety of CT Grown items, including greenhouse-grown produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, honey, maple syrup, and specialty foods, to name just a few."
Late October is a great time to take the whole family to farms that feature corn mazes, hay rides, and Halloween-themed activities, noted Commissioner Prelli. "I encourage people to take advantage of all the great fun, low-cost entertainment, and freshest food available in their communities," he said. "Connecticut's farms offer outstanding value for our state's residents."
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture posts directories of farmers' markets, farm stands and stores, apple growers, pick-your-own venues, farms offering autumn adventures, and more on its website. Go to www.CTGrown.gov and click on "Publications" at the left of the page. |
