Connecticut Farmer Helps Deliver Organic Message During Washington, D.C., Farmer Fly-in

Free range and pasture fed livestock is the production centerpiece of organic farmer Anthony Bozzuto’s 70-acre, Three-B Ranch in Northford, Connecticut. His ranch, located in the Connecticut woodlands, produces mixed vegetables as well as ducks, chickens, beef cattle, hogs, and Bozzuto’s most recent addition, bison.

Driven by his interest in sustainable production methods and seeking to duplicate the sustainable farming approach he learned growing up in a large Italian family, Bozzuto launched his farm and ranch enterprise six years ago. Producing organically, but not yet certified, Bozzuto hopes to achieve certification before year’s end so he can scale up his vegetable production and begin wholesaling organic produce to regional food retailers.

At the invitation of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, Bozzuto found himself participating in the Organic Farming Action Network Farmer Fly-in to Washington, D.C., this summer. He says he’s been involved in politics in his community and state, but the trip to the nation’s capitol was enlightening. He says he learned a lot about how organic agriculture is viewed in the political arena.

Bozzuto says his brief foray into politics at the national level has convinced him of the importance of bringing family farmers to Washington to meet face-to-face with legislators, congressional staff members and USDA administrators. He says the opportunity to meet with farmers from all over the country was also extremely valuable.

Anthony Bozzuto (center) and OFRF
staff members Tracy Lerman and
Ariane Lotti met with Brian Renholm,
staff to Representative Rosa DeLauro
(D-Connecticut).

Bozzuto says he’s hoping he’ll get a chance to participate in a future Farmer Fly-in.  He says he intends to continue working on the political elements of organic agriculture through more regular meetings with his elected representatives.