The Working Lands Alliance, a project of American Farmland Trust, recently honored State Senator Donald E. Williams Jr. with its Legislative Leadership Award for his dedication to preserving Connecticutís farmland and agricultural heritage.

At their annual meeting at the State Capitol, WLA also honored George Hindinger, Wintonbury Land Trust, and the UConn Extension Agriculture Team with Pathfinder Awards for their work in advancing farmland preservation through leadership, advocacy, planning, and education.

ìIn Sen. Williams, Connecticut has benefitted from a staunch advocate who has helped provide millions of dollars for farmland preservation and a variety of other agricultural programs,î said Andrew McElwaine, president of American Farmland Trust. ìWith his retirement Connecticut loses a committed leader in the fight to protect farmland. It is my honor to congratulate him for this award.î

WLA presented its 2014 Farmland Preservation Pathfinder Awards to UConn Extensionís Agriculture Team for consistently providing outreach, expertise, and knowledge to agricultural producers, giving them tools to enhance their agricultural operations. †Their many important programs ensure that our working lands remain vibrant.