Summer drought takes its toll on local farmers

Aug. 25, 2020 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Fresh peaches and vegetables can be found at the Chicopee Farmers Market.
Reminder Publishing photos by G. Michael Dobbs

CHICOPEE – The lack of rain this summer has made an impact on local agriculture, but not every crop has been affected.

“Due to above normal temperatures throughout July and early August and more than three months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in all seven regions of the Commonwealth – the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions,” according to the EEA website.

The statement continued, “Temperatures remain well above normal, as the Commonwealth recorded the second hottest July on record last month. Rainfall was scattered across the state with only a few areas receiving above normal precipitation; most areas were in a deficit by 1 to 3 inches. Meanwhile, temperatures throughout the first two weeks of August are 2 to 4 degrees above normal throughout Massachusetts, with warmer than normal temperatures predicted in the coming weeks and months.”

At the Chicopee Farmers market there is still a wide assortment of high quality vegetables from local vendors, but getting them to the market has been a struggle.

Antel Ramos, who farms at Nuestras Raices in Holyoke, noted the amount of his crops, including green peppers, and zucchini is “not too good” this year because of the dry summer.

“The rain is coming too late, he said.

Jose Genero who also farms at Nuestras Raices, said the growing season has been “very, very bad.”

Steve Lanphear of Belchertown was at the market with his peaches and apples. He also produces plums and pears.

He said the drought has not had a huge impact on the peach crop, but did affect his tomatoes and blueberries.

He noted his principal concerns for the peaches has been bear, coyote and bees, who all like fresh peaches. He explained he picks fruit from the same tree up to six times a season. He knows when to pick tree-ripened fruit to sell.

The trouble is bears and coyotes also know when the fruit is ripe.

“They know what’s going on,” he said with a laugh. He added in the morning he can see bear scat throughout the orchard.

The market is a program of the Valley Opportunity Council and is now open through Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. every Wednesday. It’s located at 767 Chicopee St. under the I-391 overpass.

Besides fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, and herbs are also available.

 In addition to cash, VOC’s Farmers’ Market accepts SNAP/EBT benefits, HIP (Healthy Incentives Program), Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons, WIC Farmers’ Market Coupons, and credit/debit cards. Payment options vary by vendor.

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