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2010 may very well go down as an important threshold that we've crossed about local farms and local foods. As someone who has been around them for more than a quarter century, I'm happy or report that many more of us "get it" about the value of these things.

Not everyone of course, but many more than did in 1985.

In this country (in contrast to Europe and other places where visiting the farm has been a special age-old pleasure) more farms have become popular destinations for visitors who seek not only local food and greenery but local experiences that they cannot get elsewhere. The farm is filling the void for many who have tired of the commercial and are looking for – in need of - the authentic. Few things are more authentic then farms, orchards and vineyards that have been around (and often in the same family) for a very long time.

Your visits to the farm - or "agritourism" as we call it - have grown exponentially in the past seven years and it's now one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism nationwide along with culinary, nature-based and other such 'tour – isms." We are delighted that you have chosen to come along New England FarmWays to see, hear, smell, taste and enjoy the unique farm experience here in Southern New England

But serious challenges remain. The 2010 economy has made every food and farm purchase and experience price sensitive. Politics, dwindling state budgets, and perhaps most troublesome of all, suburban sprawl, has many of our farmers on the defense from people and policies that are "just not that into" farms. That can delay or derail indefinitely plans to conduct local agriculture in its many forms right near you.

The answers lie, as they always do, with our readers - lovers of farms and farmers and champions of all good things local. This winter while you're waiting for your favorite farms to reopen, be listening to what's happening in your community. Become engaged in planning board, zoning board and town council deliberations when agricultural issues are on the docket. Your attention and action may very well be critical in sustaining the things you love.

Help us all preserve, protect and defend these very special people and places that bring so much joy to our lives.