| MARCH 18, 2011 -- The Connecticut State Grange, along with over 50 other organizations and state and federal agencies from across Connecticut, celebrated agriculture in Connecticut at the state's annual Ag Day at the Capitol.
Held March 16 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in North Lobby and Hall of Flags at the State Capitol building in Hartford, the various exhibits showed diverse aspects of agriculture from across the state. Representatives from the Connecticut State Grange had the opportunity to speak with state leaders about the importance of the state's agricultural initiatives, including Commissioner of Agriculture Steven Reviczky.
"It's encouraging to know that newly confirmed Commissioner Reviczky brings an extensive background to the position, and will promote and advance the many diverse forms of agriculture in the State of Connecticut," said Connecticut State Grange President Jody Cameron.
Governor Dannel Malloy read the official proclamation and presided over the celebration, acknowledging farming’s contribution to the state. Reviczky, who was confirmed as Commissioner of Agriculture as part of the celebration, also presented a number of awards, including the Outstanding Young Farmer Award and the Ag Journalism Awards.
Along with Cameron, representing the Connecticut State Grange were State Grange Agriculture Director Jon Russell and his committee, and State Grange Legislative Liaison Gordon Gibson. The Connecticut State Grange hosted a dynamic and interactive booth explaining the Grange's mission and significance to Connecticut agriculture.
"The Connecticut State Grange continues to support the preservation of agriculture in Connecticut with a special interest in locally grown products, healthy choices and nutritional programs for schools, and ensuring a safe food supply for all communities across the state." Cameron explained. "By having this annual event, we're appreciative to having one-on-one contact with government officials as together we can continue to improve the preservation and advancement of agriculture and rural life in Connecticut."
The Connecticut State Grange is an integral part of rural and non-rural communities across the state, with currently nearly 60 local Grange chapters in Connecticut.
Founded in 1867 to help farmers recover from the ravages of the Civil War, the National Grange is the oldest US rural community-service, family-oriented organization with a special interest in agriculture. Over the years, the Grange has evolved to incorporate the interests of farm and non-farm families in rural, suburban and urban communities. Agricultural and legislative initiatives, rural health care, education and communications access are just a few of the Grange's current areas of involvement. The organization has approximately 240,000 members in nearly 3000 local and state chapters across forty states.
For more information on the Connecticut State Grange, and its agricultural and legislative initiatives, please visit www.CTStateGrange.org. |
