Rep. Jay Phinizy, chairman of the House Agriculture and Environment Committee, and several colleagues have introduced legislation that would establish a $3 million emergency relief fund through a 2.5 percent tax on milk distributors. When the price of milk drops below a specified level, farmers would automatically receive relief.

Why does this matter? There are only 3,400 farmers in New Hampshire. (There are more than twice as many cosmetologists.) Is this about propping up a dying vocation with a government handout?

We need to look at agriculture in a different way. Preserving the broad, defining principles of place and advancing age-old tenets of healthy living are at the heart of any sound argument for protecting, promoting and supporting local farmers.

Our history is rooted in the struggle to live off this rugged, rocky land. While our society has moved away from small subsistence farms toward large agribusinesses and factory food, our architecture and traditions are defined by our village greens, stonewalls and farms.

This sentimental attraction is as good for our souls as it is for our pocketbooks. Our rural heritage attracts new permanent residents and tourists to our state every year. These newcomers and tourists are fleeing places that once were beautiful and are now suburbia.

Source: Concord Monitor