Buy local: save a farm and eat well while you’re at it

As part of my continuing series of interviews, I spoke with former surgeon and Boston University faculty member, Charlie Burke. Charlie is president of the New Hampshire Farm to Restaurant Connection.  

Having grown tired of the urban rat race, Charlie and his wife moved to Sanbornton in 2000. Wanting to do some farming, but concerned about polluting the area’s streams, they decided to do things organically. Before long, the couple realized they’d grown too much food, so sought an outlet for their produce. A farmers market provided this, and they soon helped establish the New Hampshire Market Association. Through the NHMA, Charlie met farmers from all over the region. At this juncture, he began to appreciate that superior amateur cooks were craving a local supply of quality produce. Before long,  an association that linked area farmers and chefs was born, the New Hampshire Farm to Restaurant Association. Next, a series of growers’ dinners evolved, preparing menus based solely on local farm products. Before long, Charlie and his cohorts developed the New Hampshire Food Bank, which offered educational sessions designed to help farmers communicate with chefs, and vice versa. The national wave of buy local was about to hit New Hampshire; and, to celebrate restauranteurs who purchased local produce, the Certified Local Program was established through the NH Farm to Restaurant Connection. Today, the Connection is a group of more than two dozen partners including state agencies, universities, the media, and farm organizations. The mission of this program is to enhance the viability of New Hampshire’s farms, maintaining rural heritage and open spaces in the process, by promoting agricultural products and educating the public. At present, a dozen New Hampshire restaurants have CLP certification. Each buys locally, thereby sustaining New Hampshire farms and providing a superior dining experience. As consumers with an environmental conscience, we have an opportunity to contribute to the regional economy while making our palates very happy. Want to do your share?  Find the list of participating restaurants at www.nhfarmtorestaurant.com, and be a patron.