I have read with much interest the many letters sent in about
Measure G, both pro and con. The perceptions people have about it
is amazing, especially what they think agriculture is.
I have read with much interest the many letters sent in about Measure G, both pro and con. The perceptions people have about it is amazing, especially what they think agriculture is.
I am a resident and farmer. I derive 100 percent of my income from agriculture. People want to see viable agriculture; well, I have news for you. Zoning does not give you viable agriculture! Viable agriculture is farmers and ranchers making a profit so they can stay in business. If you want to see open space and agriculture, support the local farmers.
There are quite a few places to get local produce, since the grocery stores don’t carry it. We have Bertuccio’s Produce Stand open year-round or Phil Foster’s farm is open on weekends. There is also B&R Farms, Gonzales Orchards, Gibson Farms, Herbert Organics and Swank Farms just to name a few.
Another way to help support local agriculture would be to request (or demand if you have to!) that the grocery stores carry local fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, etc. You’d be surprised at the amount of products grown locally!
I invite you to come down Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and visit with some local farmers and see what they have to say about this one-on-one. Come to Bertuccio’s, on the corner of Union Road and Airline Highway.
Joe Tonascia,
Hollister
