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Commitment to Local Farming, Fishing and Pasture Raised Meats and Fresh Eggs
Falmouth residents have invested in their commitment to sustainability of locally grown produce, shellfish, bees and honey production and fishing. It is essential that sea rise in this city does not compromise their efforts to maintain the local economy and for its residents to live within the earth’s natural resources while keeping our carbon footprint small.
Farming Falmouth is a group that runs the Tony Andrews Farmland in Falmouth and helps run farmers markets to help Falmouth recognize the potential they have for producing food in a earth friendly carbon friendly way. This permanent farmland is protected from development, but will not be sustainable if water tables are compromised by salt water.
Falmouth groups like this one believe in bringing people closer to where their food is produced. They believe Falmouth can do this in fair and sustainable ways. They believe that the more food that can be grown locally, the better able we will be able to limit our environmental footprint and engage the community to be invested in shopping locally.
Noska Farm is also a local Falmouth business that grows and sells chili peppers which thrive in Cape Cod soil, but need to be protected from flooding and sea level rise.
Falmouth Farmers Market is located right next to Falmouth Harbor. It is open year round bringing fresh local produce to its residents. It is located very close to an area affected by sea rise and is at risk of having to relocate should flooding and storm surge potential continue to threaten this area. This market sells local fish, eggs, pasture raised meats, breads, pies, pastas, herbs, and flowers.
Peach Tree Farms in Falmouth is another local business that is committed to sustainable organic farming techniques along with educating the public about the values and benefits of composting and maintaining bee hives. The orchard has peach, pear, chestnut and apple trees and sells its products at local markets.
There are also many local fisherman markets in the area that sell both wholesale and retail to the local homes and businesses.
Falmouth Residents work collaboratively to educate the public about reducing trash volume, reducing methane emissions from landfills, and to create nutrient rich soil by composting
What is a Blue Economy?
A blue economy’s goal is to maximize sustainable use of the oceans and protect natural resources for future generations. A Blue economy considers renewable energy, maritime transportation, wildlife and fish populations, waste management, tourism, and climate change.
Falmouth is an ocean city that focuses its efforts on creating sustainability of its blue economy. City planners use data to gather information about connecting economic growth with action plans to protect the ocean’s health.
Water level, PH, salinity, flooding, surface currents data is used to make decisions to better understand how human activity may be affecting the waters, fish and other wildlife, algae blooms, and understanding the conditions that may cause an increase in intensity of hurricanes.
