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News RoomNews ReleaseApril 3, 2002CONTACT: Diane Baedeker Petit, 617-626-1752, Diane.Baedeker@state.ma.us State Agriculture Department Celebrates 150 Years of ServiceAnnounces "150 Faces of Massachusetts Agriculture" ProjectBOSTON -- One of the oldest state agencies in the nation is celebrating its 150th birthday this month. The Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture, established on April 21st, 1852 and then called the State Board of Agriculture, is marking the milestone by announcing the "150 Faces of Massachusetts Agriculture" project and introducing a new logo. The announcement is being made today as part of "Agriculture Day at the State House," an annual event that includes farmer visits with legislators, a speaking program with state officials, informational exhibits, and sampling of Massachusetts-produced foods. The Department has set a goal of highlighting 150 people who are impacted through the services of the agency. The 150 "faces" will be selected over the course of the coming year and will be featured on the Department's web site (www.mass.gov/dfa) in this on-going project. "Anyone who eats, drinks milk, uses water, owns a pet, has a lawn or garden, educates children, plans family activities, or enjoys the scenic Massachusetts countryside is touched by the Department of Food and Agriculture, whether they know it or not," explains Kent Lage, the Department's chief of staff. "Farmers are our most obvious constituency, but the well-being of all citizens of the Commonwealth depends on a secure food supply, healthy animals and sound environment." The first person to be featured is Russell Davenport of Shelburne Falls, Mass. Davenport is owner of the Davenport Maple Farm, a 120 head dairy farm, maple sugaring operation and restaurant. He is currently chairman of the state Board of Agriculture and has held numerous offices with agricultural and forestry organizations. He was inducted into the North American Maple Hall of Fame in 1986 and his farm was named Tree Farm of the Year in 1991. A life-long resident of Shelburne Falls, Davenport graduated from the Arms Academy and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He serves as a town selectman and as an Arms Academy trustee. He writes articles for trade and local publications and frequently speaks to local organizations. He and his wife Martha have been married for nearly 50 years and have five grown children. "We felt that it was very appropriate to feature Russ as the first 'Face' since he is the current chairman of the Board of Agriculture, a body in which the Department has its roots," says Lage. "Future 'faces' will include folks from all business sectors and all walks of life touched by the Department." The Department of Food and Agriculture is seeking suggestions and photographs of people to be featured in the 150 Faces of Massachusetts Agriculture project. Contact Diane Baedeker Petit at 617-626-1752 or e-mail Diane.Baedeker@state.ma.us for more information. |
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