Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern learned a lesson in agriculture after taking part in a three-day farm tour.
McGovern visited 16 farms and food organizations across his district. Thursday, he stopped by the YouthGROW Urban Farm in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Steven Fischer directs the Regional Environmental Council of central Massachusetts, which hires dozens of low income youth every year to run the Oread Street farm.
“They grow healthy food that they in turn sell at affordable prices to folks in food insecure neighborhoods all throughout the city,” Fischer explained.
Congressman McGovern says more than 1,500 Worcester County farms generate 81 million dollars in products. He wants to help the industry grow.
“Well, there are programs in the Farm Bill that can be of benefit to some of the farms that I visited. I've talked to people about some regulatory issues. I've also talked to people about how we can better market what we can grow here locally,” Congressman McGovern said.
McGovern says local farms stimulate the economy and provide healthy food options to residents. He's hoping to increase access to foods and promote diverse farms like YouthGROW.
