Press Release: 2019-04-23

State Agriculture Officials Celebrate Earth Week with Farm Tours

DEVENS — In recognition of Earth Week, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux was joined by Assistant Commissioner Ashley Randle for a tour of local farms to highlight the economic viability of the Massachusetts greenhouse and nursery industry. According to the recently released census data, the Massachusetts greenhouse and nursery industry has an agricultural market value of nearly $140 million covering over 30,300 acres of land.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to continue to work closely with the Commonwealth’s greenhouse and nursery industry to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Through initiatives including the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies program, MDAR is committed to ensuring that that farms across the state remain economically viable while preserving natural resources to keep Massachusetts agriculture vibrant and sustainable.”

The first stop on the tour was Little Leaf Farm in Devens, where the team walked through their technologically advanced three-acre greenhouse facility which delivers a fresh variety of lettuce year-round to New England. By using 100% captured rainwater and growing hydroponically to protect topsoil, Little Leaf Farm is able to keep its vision of sustainably producing locally grown lettuce that is available year-round. Other visits included Cavicchio Greenhouses in Sudbury and Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton.

 

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