WHY: because the earth is changing, human population is growing and resources are limited - thus more ecological methods are helping us make more of these limited resources. Traditional agriculture for example relies on chemicals, pesticides for which we are increasingly reliant upon.
WHAT FOR: to improve and sustain our ressources for the future generations.
These themes have nothing to do with your unfounded paranoia over weed-smoking vegans. Nether of which pose a threat to your quality of life now or in the future!
Thank you for highlighting the revival of diversified farming here on the North Fork, but it would also have been helpful to emphasize the number of newer farms devoted to organic farming. It is refreshing to know that many ecologically aware people are investing in such farming. One of the original certified organic farms on the North Fork, Sang Lee Farms, has assisted many of the newer farmers in becoming organic. It certainly deserved a mention in the "recommended list of farms to visit" - http://www.sangleefarms.com, (631) 734-7001
On another note, the "agritainment" issue is in most cases a situation that is caused by the vineyards' tasting/reception rooms, where music and light refreshments draw hundreds every weekend, not solely for celebrations like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. The occasional "festivals" that happen at places like Hallockville and Harbes are certainly inconveniences at times, but the vocal opposition should keep in mind that the farming-related economy out here is flourishing because of these visitors. They should be advocating for implementing steps to control the traffic flow with the venues holding these events The sponsoring venues should be required to make arrangements to pay for traffic police to be actively involved when such festivals take place, much like the system that has been in place for years for Mattituck's Strawberry Festival. Such a outcome would be a major improvement, both for local folks and for our visitors.
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I live full time from May 15 to Nov 10 (plus or minus a week) just east of Riverhead for nearly 25 years and mid-september to late October traffic has become unbearable. I am also out 25% of the time during the other months of the year. It's not the wineries for the most part--it's the corn maizes and haunted houses at the farmstands. I think drastic traffic control measures are needed. Like banning all but designated left turns and aggressively ticketing jaywalking. quite frankly if the local farmers want near year-round local business from local residents they could be a little nicer to their local customers and volunteering some solutions themselves instead of having their businesses free-ride the only two east west routes on the north fork during these six to eight weeks of the year.
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You write that the new, ecologically friendly, organic farms should be emphasized. WHY and WHAT FOR?
I am concerned that many of the promoters of ecofriendly or organic farming are disguised loud-mouthed vegans, and anti-tobacco and pro-cannabis supporters.
So nice to see, this area of Long Island is still beautiful. Better than the Hamptons, that is until the dreaded hipsters find out about this.
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Kudos to the farmers on Long Island who resist the encroachment of the pernicious city and persevere in the raising of various animals.
I was disappointed to see no venison pate on the counter of 8 Hands Farm in Cutchogue.
Partridges at Feisty Acres in Jamesport: my wish would be to see there pheasants as well that produce more profit per unit bird.
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Wild venison (deer) is can not be sold retail. With few exceptions, no wild animals (other than seafood) can be sold retail/wholesale and there is little reason to raise venison when the North Fork wild deer population is abundant to the point of being a nuisance.
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@ Bullmoose France
As long as you are in France, have you come across ham made of a wild boar, either cured or smoked? This seems to be a historically traditional Gallic-French product. I could not find it in the US.
Saucisson and pâté of wild boar are indeed delicious. But on Long Island selling venison is unfortunately illegal.
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I am fortunate to live on Shelter Island. In the summer there are so many opportunities to visit wineries,farms, and fish markets. It is fortunate many farms are being preserved and started through the support of the Peconic Land Trust.
We need to support our farmers and fishing industry.
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@ C# Shelter Island NY
How wonderful to learn something from a resident of Shelter Island.
To your wish, I would add refuges for protected species. It would be very nice to see rhinoceroses, giraffes, and other endangered quadrupeds near the northern ends of Long Island. These may even become a redeeming feature of the city.
Land & animal conservation, water quality, careful consideration of pesticides and other land management decisions that may be detrimental to the air, soil and water need to be addressed then maintained to preserve what was once pristine. The local economy depends on a clean and prosperous environment.
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