Issues... Issues... and more Issues.

We all have issues close to our heart that we wish a political figure would add to his list of important changes and laws.  Some are large... mandatory drunk driving penalties, others... important to a few of us or clearly not on the radar screen for the many. 

Take our wine laws.  Here in Massachusetts, we have many freedoms that other state wineries lack, and they have freedoms that we would like to have. 

I personally would like to see our wines sold at farm markets.  The argument here in Massachusetts... Wine is not a food; it is controlled substance.  Makes me feel a little like a drug dealer.  But ... Studies say that wine "may" be good for us.  ("May" because by federal law, I'm not in the medical field and as such I lack the expertise to discuss the medical benefits of wine.  Any way I digress...

Farm Markets... I grow the fruit, produce the wine at the farm...Massachusetts agricultural law states that if I do all the above, I can sell that product at farmer markets.  But wait...I grow, produce and market a  controller substance.  If our farm was in New York, Ohio, or Pennsylvania, our product would be found at the farm markets where farm rights are protected. 

I have asked many times of our state representatives to get this matter discussed in either the house or senate and have been told over the years that this "issue" only benefits a few of the state's people, not the many.  I question....don't we all win.  My farm stays viable, and solvent, my taxes get paid, and open spaces are preserved. 

Open spaces.. that will be next month's topic.

Last February 2007, we (farm wineries) formed the Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers Association, to promote wineries in Massachusetts as a viable commodity producer and to promote fine wines to the commonwealth.  We looked at all the issues that effected us.  Three issues were chosen by our group to take action on.  We all contacted our representatives and asked for help.  I was told we were a special interest group, and our wishes and issues effected only us.  Our issues...farm markets, (greater availability of fine wines with fine fresh farm foods)... easier shipping rules (lets you order and receive your wine cheaper and easier) and lastly, less regulations (treat wine as a food and less as a controlled substance).  So... we like all the other special interest groups...i.e.. dairy farmers, cranberry growers, meat packers, floral and horticulture growers...hired a real live licensed, suited and influential lobbyist. 

I never thought that one person's voice was louder than many, but in our present day political arena, a lobbyist is heard louder than any well meaning gathering of people.  Time will tell whether our issues get any attention.  Of course, you all could call your representative and tell them to listen, ever so slightly, to that special interest group call farmers. 

Hey...I think that's called grass roots, or is that to sixties and I'm showing my age.

The issues discussed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this farm, my wife or my family.  But it does reflect my opinion.