This past month, it has been with great joy that I have started as the new Working Lands Alliance Director. As I begin to get to know the members of the WLA steering committee, I am excited to continue driving forward the mission of the alliance and to welcome new voices to the movement to save the land that sustains us in Connecticut.
At our March WLA steering committee meeting, we were excited to welcome Governor Dannel Malloy to the discuss the importance of supporting state farmers. Throughout his career, Gov. Malloy has championed the principles our WLA holds dear: a robust and profitable agricultural sector and the protection of farmland critical to Connecticut agriculture’s future. The governor reminded us of the need to educate and hold the 2018 gubernatorial candidates accountable to these principles. And we will do so, offering “fierce cooperation” with the next Administration to meet the needs and challenges facing our state’s farms, farmers, and farmland.
As a New England native and the granddaughter of a dairy farmer, I am deeply committed to conserving farmland for future generations. I look forward to continuing WLA’s longstanding leadership and advocacy efforts in support of agriculture and farmland protection—efforts that have led to the permanent protection of over 353 farms and 43,448 acres of Connecticut’s irreplaceable farmland!
Whether you are a farmer or landowner, a member or staff of a local land trust, an elected official, or a citizen advocate for farmland protection and Connecticut farms, WLA needs your voice. If you would like to be involved in WLA’s work in some way, please be in touch. I would welcome a chance to learn more about you and your work, and brainstorm ways we might collaborate in the future.
I am excited to fight on the frontlines with you and look forward to leading WLA “fiercelessly” through 2018 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Gazillo
My dog Layla and I enjoying one of Connecticut’s many outdoor recreational areas this winter
