The meeting, held in Yarmouth Town Hall, was the source of much debate which included discussion about the need for collaboration between producers to reduce input costs and gain a stronger voice with planners, buyers and consumers. According to the Cape Cpod Times, farmers could gain benefits by sharing equipment, combining buying power and acreages, joining forces to address the region's planning commission; and fostering an appreciation of the Cape's long standing farming heritage.

The conference was attended by farmers, aquaculture growers and town agricultural commission members, as well as representatives of regional and governmental agricultural agencies.

Julie Winslow, an Orleans aquaculture grower, suggested that every town should have an agricultural program similar to the Chapter 40B low income housing incentive to dedicate a portion of town land to agriculture — either on land or in the sea.

Irene Winkler, coordinator for the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service, said the idea had a lot of merit.

View the Cape Cod Times story by clicking here.