To the editor:

As a lifelong citizen of Virginia, I strongly urge your readers to encourage their legislators to support SB51 and HB268, which deal with on-farm activities.

Virginia needs its small farms. Consumers need the right to choose where their food comes from and how it is cultivated. Families who choose an agricultural lifestyle should have the freedom to run their farms as they see fit, without being forced to adopt the practices of large corporations or being put out of business by such corporations.

Finally, the crops and animals deserve to have the option of small farms, who keep the traditions of heirloom agriculture and ancient breeds of many animals alive and well. Thank you.

Katrina Bauer

Windsor