Recent reports have claimed that food shortages at local supermarkets are to be expected nationwide in the near future due to weather anomalies such as droughts in some parts of the country and by the increasing costs of fossil fuels and therefore the costs of transporting food resulting in higher food costs at the supermarket. Growing food locally and encouraging the growth and support of local farms is a way to mitigate some of these potential problems and builds a more resilient and self-sufficient local community.

As pointed out by Mr. Brynes, the Town Planner, in an article in The Day, “Unhappy rabbit farmer may hop out of Stonington,” (Jan. 24), Stonington’s Plan of Conservation and Development, which was published in 2015 as a result of a town survey of members of the community, clearly states that the growth and development of farming is important. In addition, the raising of fur bearing animals is allowed by state statutes (CGS 1-1). Therefore, every effort should be made by town authorities, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, to allow Mr. Lotti to carry through with his plans for his new farm.

Ward Smith

Mystic