MDAR Commissioner Lebeaux Visits Adams Agricultural Fair
ADAMS, Mass. — The state's agricultural commissioner is making the rounds of local agricultural fairs as a way to contact with local farmers.
Commissioner John Lebeaux visited the Adams Agricultural Fair for his first time Saturday and was not disappointed.
Lebeaux, appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker last year, made his way west Saturday just in time to see the judging of youth cattle by some young Berkshire County farmers.
"We saw some youngsters handling their cows. We like to see our future farmers at it," Lebeaux said. "It was a multigeneral farm family that I hope is going to continue."
Lebeaux is a grandson of a farmer and who was general manager for more than 20 years at Shrewsbury Nurseries, the business his father started.
He said MDAR recognizes the importance of agricultural fairs throughout the commonwealth and through October he will be traveling throughout the state in attempt to see as many as possible.
"We think it is important for the department to get out and talk to farmers," he said. "We spoke with some today and heard from some that like what we are doing in the department and some who have some suggestions or polite criticisms ... it is important to stay in touch."
As for the fair itself, Lebeaux said he heard about its reputation and is not disappointed.
Agricultural fairs serve as important reminders of our agricultural roots, especially in Massachusetts, he said.
"Not everyone remembers," Lebeaux said. "Even in a state like Massachusetts, even out here in the beautiful more rural Berkshires, there are some folks who don't really remember how their food gets to their table and where it comes from."
He said the department is committed to bringing aid and supporting farmers who represent a critical part of the economy.
"The whole buy local program is essential to get healthy local grown food on people's tables, but also more importantly what farms do besides produce food is they keep land open and maintain it," Lebeaux said. "We are very much dedicated to keeping our farms environmentally viable and financially viable and agricultural fairs remind people of this essential element in our economy."
He reiterated that it is nice to see younger people involved in agriculture because they are the future of the industry.
"I like seeing kids involved in agriculture because demographically the average age of a farmer is on the older side," he said. "So it is important to get youth involved and, we are seeing an uptick there and we want to increase that."
Lebeaux said agricultural fairs in general in Massachusetts are thriving and they act as an economic spark in their communities, however, there are many that struggle.
The Adams Aggie Fair, in its 42nd year, has seen ups and downs and with rising costs, it is often a struggle to break even.
"You have some fairs that have very favorable land agreements like this and you have some that are paying rent or just have a huge amount they have to make," he said. "They are having difficulties making that. A business or any kind of economic enterprise has to sustain itself and the state tries to help the best we can but our finances aren’t exactly great either. It is what it is."
Before going over to watch the horse pull, Lebeaux said he was happy to be at the fair and wishes it many more successful years.
"We are very happy to be here, and I hope the Aggie Fair continues to be successful and continues to grow on its success," Lebeaux said.
The fair continues Sunday with the demolition derby.
Tags: Aggie Fair, state officials,
