By Bob Katzen

The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill, requested by some third-grade students at Hadley Elementary School, to make asparagus the official state vegetable. Other areas in the nation are also working to designate their state as the asparagus capital of the world.

“Asparagus is woven into the history of the Pioneer Valley, and ‘Hadley Grass’ once supplied 80 percent of the nation’s crop,” said Rep. Homar Gomez (D-Easthampton). “Designating it the official state vegetable honors the farmers who built that legacy and gives Massachusetts growers a marketing edge, the same way state-fruit status has boosted our cranberry industry. I’m especially proud that this effort was driven by Hadley third-graders, whose civic engagement shows exactly why this recognition matters.”

“When a classroom filled with passionate third graders advocates for asparagus to become the official state vegetable, I listen closely,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “It was inspiring to meet with these students at Hadley Elementary School as they shared the history and regional significance of asparagus … I am grateful to these young people for reminding us how democracy works.”