# Farm story template — Save CT Farms

Use this outline to draft your story before submitting at [savectfarms.org/share-your-story](https://www.savectfarms.org/share-your-story/) (or paste sections into the online form).

**Tips**

- Write in your own voice; short paragraphs are fine.
- Focus on how **Right to Farm**, **zoning**, or **local rules** affect real work on your land.
- You may skip any section that does not apply.
- We may contact you to edit or confirm before publishing.

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## At the top (for our records)

| Field | Your answer |
|-------|-------------|
| Farm or forest name | |
| Town | |
| Website (optional) | |
| Your name | |
| Email | |

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## Suggested story outline

Copy the headings below into the “Your story” box on the website, replace the bracketed prompts, and delete any section you do not need.

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### [Farm name] — [Town], Connecticut

**Website (optional):** [https://]

[1–2 sentences: How long the farm has been in operation and its role in the community.]

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### How the farm works today

Historically, our income came mainly from [crops / livestock / forest products / other].

Today, we also rely on [workshops, farm stand, tours, education programs, seasonal events, direct sales, conservation work, etc.] to stay viable and connect people to the land.

[1–2 sentences: What you do that goes beyond “traditional” production, if applicable.]

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### Right to Farm, zoning, and uncertainty

[Describe any confusion about whether your activities count as farming under local or state rules.]

Examples you might include:

- Mixed messages from different boards or agencies  
- Permits, hearings, or applications that slowed your plans  
- Neighbor complaints or enforcement actions  
- Questions about whether programming, events, or on-farm sales are protected  

[What is still unclear today? What would “clear rules” mean for your farm?]

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### Impact on the farm and family

When rules are uncertain, it affects us by [e.g., delayed investment, legal costs, stress, lost income, putting projects on hold].

[Optional: One specific example that illustrates the human cost—not only dollars, but time away from the land.]

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### Why this matters beyond our farm

Our experience reflects a broader issue in Connecticut: [e.g., farms diversifying to survive, zoning written for another era, need to update Right to Farm for modern agriculture].

[Optional: What you hope lawmakers or your town will understand.]

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### Looking forward

[1–3 sentences: What would help—state Right to Farm update, local ordinance changes, clearer definitions of farming, support from officials, etc.]

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## Short version (if you prefer one paragraph)

Use this if the full outline feels like too much. Aim for 150–400 words.

> We are [farm name] in [town]. We [brief description of what you produce and how the farm operates today]. In recent years, [describe the regulatory or Right to Farm challenge]. This has meant [impact on your farm]. We believe Connecticut needs an updated Right to Farm law that [what you want protected]. [Optional closing sentence about your hopes for the future.]

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## Before you submit

- [ ] I have permission to share this story on behalf of the farm (if not the sole owner).  
- [ ] I understand the campaign may contact me before publishing.  
- [ ] I have not included private information about neighbors I do not wish to share publicly.  
- [ ] I am comfortable checking “publish consent” on the form if I want the story considered for the website.

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*Save CT Farms — updating Connecticut’s Right to Farm law for modern agriculture.*