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Hi-On-A-Hill Herb Farm & Gardens, N. Smithfield, RI Photo by JO Pacheco

Christmas and "The Holidays"

What do you call this time of year? The Christmas Season? The "Holidays?" A specific ethnic or relgious time? It doesn't matter but it sure can strike up a controversy as it has here in Rhode Island this year.

On farm destinations throughout southern New England and points NE&W, 2011 caused quite a stir as well.

In Rhode Island, we were spared much of the more severe weather and are also proud that agriculture was one of the bright spots in the otherwise struggling economy. Iin fact, agriculture was one of the only industries to actually see economic growth - a percentage of new farms greater than any state in the country, more farmers markets, more local food produced and sold and a spanking new 5-Year Strategic Pan for Agriculture to lead the way forward.

You didn't have to travel far however to where tornadoes, Hurricane Irene and an early snow cut a terrible swath up and down the Connecticut River Valley and sapped whatever energy and enthusiasm remained. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our farm friends and neighbors who took those hits.

But everywhere you go, even those most touched by nature this year are expressing their profound gratitude. Those who own and operate farms, nurseries, vineyards and orchards are very happy to be doing the work they do, having the customers and visitiors they have and at very least generating what revenues they can from this magical partnership with nature and you.

They also know that the sun'll come out tomorrow - and they get to start all over again, hopeful and ever more grateful.

That's our Christmas and Holiday message to you this year. May hope and gratitude light your way. Farm places along New England FarmWays and throughout the region have the goods and goodies for all of us this time of year even if they may be in shorter supply or our pocketbooks less full. So don't let the times get you down.

Local farmstands, new winter farmers' markets and fun destinations are everywhere and are awaiting your visit. Stock up on what's good about the season - whatever you call it. And be sure to express your thanks to those good farming folks who make the season bright!

All the best from our house to yours.

Farm and Away

Barn doors closing, ground under repair. Be with us next time! And safe travels during these wintry months.

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Applause, Please

Thanks to all the farm destinations that hosted programs and tours for you and yours this past year. It was chock fuill of good things to learn, good things to know and even better things to enjoy!

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