New website live for agricultural businesses (Courtesy of the Spencer New Neader)

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) has launched a new website, www.AgInfoTLGV.org. This new Internet resource is specifically designed to assist agricultural businesses in the region. During TLGV’s 2009 Farm Survey, the hundreds of farms and agriculture ventures responding noted a need for a one-stop Internet resource. They also expressed a desire for an opportunity to network with others in real time. The AgInfo website was created to meet those needs.

AgInfo features sections on commodities, business development, environment, energy and a resource glossary. It includes a  designated button for the AGvocate Program, a calendar, classifieds, facts and figures, message board and news. A closer look at any of these elements provides a more specific breakdown of the information included: for example, under “Business Development” there are subcategories of business planning, education and training, farmer’s markets, financial assistance, legislation and regulations, marketing, occupational health and safety, going organic, risk management and insurance, suppliers, tax information and town support programs.

“The Last Green Valley really says it all. Ours is a region of rural traditions — our culture, our economy, our built environment, our landscape,” stated Charlene Cutler, TLGV executive director and CEO. “Agriculture and its related businesses have tremendous potential in our region because of all the land and water resources that remain. TLGV wants to do everything it can to help these businesses thrive and expand.”

The new website offers several features to facilitate real time networking between businesses owners. There is a message board, classifieds and blog features that include land networking, land for sale, and other features to promote communication efficiently. AgInfo will be constantly updated and expanded. Very soon an interactive map will be available showing farms, farmer’s markets and natural features of interest to agriculture. Viewers are welcomed to provide feedback and information. Just go to www.AgInfoTLGV.org, click on the Contact button on the left and send a message to The Last Green Valley, Inc. The development of the AgInfo website has been funded, in part, by a Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural  Development Office and by the Farm Credit East AgEnhancement Program.

TLGV is the grassroots nonprofit organization that works to enhance the region’s significant natural resources in the context of a vital economy and regional cultural identity. It is the management entity for the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National

Heritage Corridor, the last predominantly undeveloped green space in the coastal sprawl of the East Coast between Boston and Washington, D.C. East Brookfield is a member of the corridor.