More Survey Results

I live in West Valley City. When we moved there 30 years ago there were fields, farms and horses next door and all through the surrounding area. Today that is virtually gone, and I miss it. I have become worried.

Why are we building houses on all the arable land? In a desert state like this the land with the best soil should be set aside for food production. If we become dependent on imported food (from inside or outside the USA) what happens to the food supply if a disaster strikes, or when fuel costs become so prohibitive food either can't be shipped or is prohibitively expensive when it is? We need a sustainable, local farming economy. Maybe this means enacting more greenbelt laws, or putting developers in last position to purchase a farm when it goes up for sale. Anyway, I miss hearing the neighbor's rooster crow in the morning, and stopping by to pet the new colt.

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I feel very strongly that agriculture in the state, and unfortunately the entire country, is seriously undervalued and not given enough support. We continue to lose too much land to so-called development, which erodes the foundation of our counties' ability to support itself, thrive and prosper. I see that happening on an almost daily basis here in West Layton (I live off of Gentile Street) where open space land that could be used for agricultural purposes or actual active farms are plowed under for more housing tracts. I would like to buy a piece of land myself and go into some small scale farming, but unfortunately the price is much too high. I would like to see the state put into place more financial incentives that encourage people to stay or go into agriculture, or just do more to preserve open space that could eventually be used for agricultural purposes if necessary.
Thanks

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I gather, from an email that I received, that you are asking citizens of Utah to write and say what is important about having farms in Utah. I have been a resident of Utah for just over a year and am very committed to seeing local and organic foods available to everyone. I have seen the community benefits of local markets and the connections and excitement about the farmer/consumer relationship that is so important to a healthy lifestyle. Please work hard to promote healthy farming practices in our state with fewer chemicals and hormones. Utah can be a leader and the world is waiting for leaders! The standard methods of farming are not sustainable. I thank you,

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I heard that you're looking for opinions about agriculture in Utah. One of the reasons I moved to Utah two years ago is because of the agriculture here. Regarding the population's general welfare, thriving local agriculture helps with food security by promoting more diversity in crops since local customers encourage the growth of things that won't survive long in transit or supermarkets (as you know diversity helps so that when one crop is wiped out by disease or a pest there are others still around to feed us). Local produce also cuts down on fuel and the use of non-renewal sources of fuel. Having excess local food around could provide healthier options for the poor and homeless. The Crossroads food coop is great, and I hope we'll find more ways of getting healthier food to those who can only afford the cheapest processed goods at the supermarket.

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Regarding the welfare of individuals, farming is a wholesome, healthy way of life, and I'm glad to support that for people. I highly value the fact that I can take my children to farms and they can see where some of their meat, produce, and dairy products come from. Local food also tastes better--and tasty food makes for happier me and better-nourished kids because they'll eat the local fruits and vegetables because they taste so good. I also think seeing the faces of the people who grow the food I buy makes me a more responsible consumer and them more responsible growers.

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I am writing to express my concern for small farms in Utah. Rather than put them out of business, we need to support them with all our might. Even more-so -- organic, sustainable farming practices. I just returned from Portland, OR where the Farmer's Market is already in full swing, rich with stacks of rainbow chard and radishes, carrots, broccoli raab, and so many other products -- especially dairy. Part of the reason for that city's thriving success as a food center and dining destination is its support of small farms and farmers. Real food, grown locally. Foods that are disappearing from our shelves, but should not be. Please, please, see the long-term benefits of supporting farming -- vegetable, fruit, dairy, and sustainable ranching. The future of the state depends on it -- and the health of our children. Please, help us go back to the basics instead of careening toward a future filled with the sheer ugliness of WalMarts.

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I am writing about the importance of farming in Utah and how we can support this essential profession. I am largely concerned about food security -- what would happen if, due to any number of possible reasons, we were unable to bring food in from other areas? Would Utahns starve? Would we starve for several seasons because we had lost the art of agriculture? Historically, please consider learning about the 900 day blockade of St. Petersburg during World War II to see the real possibility -- as well as disastrous outcomes.

http://www.saint-petersburg.com/history/siege.asp

Let's keep this skill alive by helping those who wish to build up their capabilities.

Let's encourage clubs like 4-H, schools like Utah State, and then, once there are numerous individuals practicing in this capacity, let's support them by purchasing their produce. Americans are currently worried about obese children -- maybe if children were outside, digging in gardens, and eating the healthy fruits of their labors, obesity would not be an epidemic.Thank you for your consideration --