Fred Monahan, owner and grower at Stone Gardens Farm, on Saw Mill City Road in Shelton, was recently invited to be a part of one of the working groups developed for the Governor’s Council for Agricultural Development, a state advisory board led by Agricultural Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky.
The council, which was reorganized in 2011 after legislation was passed to revive the group, is charged with making recommendations to the Department of Agriculture on ways to increase spending by Connecticut residents on locally grown produce and farm products.
Monahan was contacted in late spring to be a voice on one of the several working groups formed by the council, due to the success at Stone Gardens Farm in their processing of fresh produce in the summer to be consumed later in the year.
“We are one of the only farms in the state that started freezing some of our summer produce and offering it to consumers,” said Monahan. “There is definitely an interest out there, and it’s good to encourage other farmers to process their stuff too. “
Stone Gardens also began processing their tomatoes and peppers last year into jarred sauce and salsa, which is sold at their farm stand, at Beechwood Market in Shelton, and at City Seed farmers markets in New Haven.
“Processing in the summer allows you to be able to offer your product year-round,” said Monahan. “Through processing, we can eventually get more Connecticut-grown products into institutions, like schools and hospitals.”
The 12-member council, which includes Jamie Jones of Jones Family Farms in Shelton, will be calling on the working groups this month to finalize recommendations to bring before Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in areas concerning the development, diversification, and promotion of agricultural products throughout the state.
“Over the past year and a half, the Governor’s Council for Agricultural Development has gathered input from hundreds of stakeholders from across the state to steer its Grow Connecticut Farms strategic plan,” said Reviczky, who serves at the council’s chairman. “Moving forward, the council is relying on its working groups for additional information from stakeholders with experience and expertise in specific areas of agriculture. The knowledge these individuals have amassed and are sharing with the council is profound, and it contributes tremendous value and validity to the council’s work. I thank Fred for participating in this process and offering his time, energy, and input.”
For more information on Stone Gardens Farm, go to www.stonegardensfarm.com. To contact Fred Monahan, call 203 – 395-3070.
