FoHVOS hosts farming discussion

Session set March 13 from 7-9 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, South Main Street and West Curlis Avenue, Pennington

   Members, supporters and interested residents are invited to attend the annual meeting of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) on March 13 from 7-9 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, South Main Street and West Curlis Avenue, Pennington.
   In addition to an update on efforts to protect open space in 2006, the meeting will feature a panel discussion. "Sustainable Farming in the Hopewell Valley: Past, Present & Future." The discussion will include three local farmers: Lucia Huebner, who with her husband Charlie have owned Beechtree Farm on Crusher Road since 1986 and a smaller farm on Marshall’s Corner-Woodsville Road since 2003; George Kerr who, together with his wife Lynn, has been farming the current Bristol-Myers Squibb site on Pennington-Rocky Hill Road since 1978; and Jim Kinsel, who began farming the Watershed Organic Farm, now known as Honey Brook Farm, on Wargo Road in 1991.
   Ms. Huebner, who will lead the discussion, said that now is an ideal time to initiate a dialogue about locally grown foods because the demand for such products is increasing. "More people are becoming aware of the negative impact of factory farming as well as the serious environmental impact and security risks caused by transporting foods long distances," she stated. "Valley residents are looking for a better solution and returning to local family farms for their food."
   The panel discussion will be followed by an opportunity for questions and comments from the audience. Refreshments will be served.