Hattie Allen will be one of the panelists in a January 14 discussion on local agriculture sponsored by the Agriculture Study Group of the League of Women Voters of Sussex County (LWVSC).

The panel discussion will be held at the Beebe Medical Arts Building Conference Room, 18941 John J Williams Hwy (Rt 24) from 1 pm to 2:45.

Local farmers will address how large and small niche farming can add to the agriculture economy and bring interesting and healthy foods to the local tables.

After the panelists have made their presentations, attendees will be asked for their questions and comments.

The meeting is free and open to the public. All interested persons in Sussex County are encouraged to attend.

Background

The study is being conducted by local branches of the League of Women Voters US (LWVUS) throughout the United States between November 2013 and April 2014.

LWVUS is in process of formulating an updated position on agriculture policy.

Currently, the LWVUS believes that federal agriculture policies should promote adequate supplies of food and fiber at reasonable prices to consumers, farms that are economically viable, farm practices that are environmentally sound and increased reliance on the free market to determine prices.

They believe federal policy should encourage a system of sustainable, regenerative agricultural production that moves toward an environmentally sound agricultural sector. This includes promoting stewardship to preserve and protect the country’s human and natural agricultural resources.