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-ftappafjantiocfe Jletos— Established 1877 An Independent Newspaper Published Every Wednesday ARTHUR W. ARUNDEL, PUBLISHER Barbara C. Wayland, Executive Editor and General Manager Peter W. Arundel, President John T. Toler Executive Vice President To Subscribe Phone (540) 675-3338 BY MAIL: $21 a year in Rappahannock County $27 a year elsewhere in the United States Back Copies: Recent 2 months, 50 cents Older copies to 1960, $5 (as available) Office: Rappahannock News Building, Washington, Va. 22747-0059 Telephone (540) 675-3338 Fax: (540) 675-3088 e-mail: RappNews@timespapers.com Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday Member, Audit Bureau of Circulations www.timescommunity.com WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2001
Our View
Agriculture
Thank Rappahannock farmers during
Agriculture week, March 18-24
Governor Jim Gilmore has declared March 18-24 as Agriculture Week in Virginia and has called its observance to the attention of all citizens. It is an ideal time to give some thought - and some thanks - to farmers for all they do, all year round, for all of us. Agriculture has been the backbone of Virginia’s economy since the settlers landed at Jamestown in 1607. For almost 400 years, farmers have continued to provide Virginians with food, fiber and other essentials despite soaring temperatures, plummeting prices, daunting regulations and fluctuating market conditions. Kudos to Virginia and Rappahannock farmers for using flexibility and innovation to expand and develop new marketing opportunities. To accommodate the demand for better nutrition, farmers produced meat that is lower in fat and cholesterol. To satisfy consumers looking for unique foods, farmers have introduced specialties such as shiitake mushrooms, Asian pears, bison, etc. Let us applaud farmers for putting their money where their crops and livestock are: for committing the enormous resources necessary for land, equipment, seed, feed and other essentials; and for standing firm in the face of encroaching development. Accolades to farmers for valuing our land and water resources, and for making environmental preservation and enhancement among their top priorities.
Rappahannock farmers and landowners should be applauded for conservation easements of 11,971 protected acres. So what have farmers done for us lately? They have planted, grown, tended and harvested the food and fiber that goes into almost everything we eat, wear and use. Let’s thank our farmers for that!
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