[HISTORY: Adopted 4-28-2008 ATM, Art. 35. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
An Agricultural Commission is established to
represent the Deerfield farming community. Said Commission once appointed
shall develop a work plan to guide its activities. Such activities
include, but are not limited, to the following: to serve as facilitators
for encouraging the pursuit of agriculture in Deerfield; promote agricultural-based
economic opportunities in Town; act as mediators, advocates, educators,
and/or negotiators on farming issues; work for preservation of prime
agricultural lands; and pursue all initiatives appropriate to creating
a sustainable agricultural community.
The Commission shall consist of five members
appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Commission will consist of
a minimum of three members whose prime source of income is derived
from farming or agricultural-based enterprises in Deerfield and another
two who are interested in farming. Initial appointment shall be two
members for a term of three years; two members for a term of two years
and three thereafter; and one member for a one year term, and three
years thereafter. The Board shall appoint two alternate members, one
for a term of two years and three thereafter and one for a term of
one year and three thereafter. Alternate members, as designated by
the Commission chairperson, may substitute for a regular member when
a quorum is needed for any reason.
The Board of Selectmen shall fill a vacancy
based on the unexpired term of the vacancy in order to maintain the
cycle of appointments, based on recommendations of the Commission.
Members should: represent Town geographically,
represent the diversity and scale of agricultural businesses, represent
the diversity of the Town's population, encourage next generation
farmers. The overall intent is to be inclusive not exclusive.
The mission will be to: promote agricultural-based
economic opportunities; preserve, revitalize and sustain the Deerfield
agricultural industry, and encourage the pursuit of agriculture as
a career opportunity and lifestyle.
