City Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua. (WHAV News file photograph.)
As every backyard gardener will attest, the hot, dry weather this summer has played havoc with vegetables and other crops and, for the farming community, the drought-like conditions are hitting them right in the pocketbook.
As a result, Haverhill City Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua introduced a motion last Tuesday asking Mayor James J. Fiorentini to look into the possible availability of federal money to help Haverhill farmers.
“I’ve spoken to several farmers and they’ve been impacted from the drought. I’ve looked into it, and I believe that there is an opportunity for eligibility from some of the federal funds because they are a business, because they serve individuals in low- to moderate-income sections and they’re part of our economic well-being in our city,” he said.
Councilors agreed, voting 8-0 with Councilor Shaun P. Toohey absent.