Northbridge man lobbies for farmers
By Susan Spencer | Telegram & Gazette Staff
NORTHBRIDGE — Northbridge resident Christopher Szkutak, 25, thinks it’s important that people understand where their food comes from and that local farmers — especially young ones starting out — receive the support they need to make a go of agriculture.The Massachusetts State Grange legislative director met earlier this week in Washington, D.C., with Interim U.S. Sen. William Cowan, D-Mass., and U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, to discuss the 2013 farm bill. His meeting with lawmakers was part of the National Grange’s Legislative Fly-in.
Mr. Szkutak said the five-year farm bill, carried over under a continuing resolution from last fall, needs to be finalized in 2013 so farmers know what to expect in terms of crop insurance and payments, among other aspects.
The farm bill provides funding for rural development, renewable energy, farm subsidies, insurance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
