FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 The Pattersons of Red Acre Farms CSA: Symbria, Sara and Lynn. Friends have set up a fund to support the family. Mr. Lynn Patterson will be missed. www.GoFundMe.com/PattersonFam |
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—(March 26, 2015)—Tuesday was a day of both excitement and tragedy for the Patterson family, owners and operators of Red Acre Farms CSA in Southern Utah. Symbria and Sara, a mother and daughter team have been working hard for months for the passage of a bill that would allow Utah residents to operate or participate in “herd share” programs in their state. Herd share programs provide an opportunity for people to own part of a dairy animal or herd. Within the program, people are entitled to having access to the milk produced by the animal (e.g., cow, goat, sheep) or herd in which they share ownership.
On March 24, 2015, Governor Gary Herbert signed into law HB 104, which was sponsored by Rep. Marc Roberts. FTCLDF members Symbria and Sara exemplified persistence and determination as citizen activists; they made the 200-mile trip from their farm to Salt Lake City twice a week to lobby for the bill. For the last two weeks of the legislative session, they did not leave the capital. They succeeded in overcoming strong opposition to the bill from the Utah dairy lobby and Farm Bureau. Along with farmer Paula Millby and Connor Boyack of the Libertas Institute, Symbria and Sara worked on bill from its inception to the finish.
 Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed HB 104, the herdshare bill, on March 24, 2015. |
Lynn Patterson, husband and father held down the fort and ensured that the farm continued to run smoothly as his wife and daughter were focusing their efforts on the legislation. Everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing Lynn knows that he is always working, and working hard. Lynn was busy on the evening of the passage of the legislation making sure that the harvest was in and all the CSA shares ready for the next day. Just as he finished his work, with his boots still on and covered in mud Lynn collapsed and very suddenly left this world.
Lynn will be sorely missed by all who knew him and his efforts in his support to his wife and daughter will live on and benefit countless lives, not only within the state of Utah but everywhere else where this legislation will have direct or indirect influence.
Thank you, Lynn, for your hard work, kind spirit, and fervor support. Many thanks as well to Symbria and Sara for their hard work and sacrifices given for the passage of the bill.
A fundraiser has been set up by a friend of the Pattersons to help support them as they cope with their loss. To make a contribution, go to www.gofundme.com/PattersonFam
YOUR FUND AT WORK
Services provided by the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) go beyond providing legal representation for members in court cases.
Educational and Political Action Services also provide an avenue for FTCLDF to build grassroots activism to create the most favorable regulatory climate possible. In addition to advising on bill language, FTCLDF supports favorable legislation via action alerts, social media outreach, and the online petition service.
You can help FTCLDF by becoming a member or donating today.
Anyone wanting to make a contribution to support the work of the Fund can make a donation online or send a check to:
FTCLDF
8116 Arlington Blvd, # 263
Falls Church, VA 22042
Prefer to make a tax-deductible donation? Contact us by email at [email protected] or call 703-208-FARM (3276).