Town of Sunderland, MA Article IV Agricultural Commission [1]

[Adopted 4-29-2005 ATM, Art. 27]

[1] Editor's Note: Former Art. IV, Agricultural Land Preservation Committee, adopted 10-30-1985 STM, Art. 3, which consisted of § 14-24, was repealed 4-29-2002 ATM, Art. 26.

§ 14-24 Establishment; purpose.

There shall be an Agricultural Commission to address agricultural issues and represent agricultural interest in the Town of Sunderland.

§ 14-25 Duties and responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of the commission shall include, but not be limited to:

A. Advising the Selectboard, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, and Historical Commission on projects and activities involving agricultural lands in Town;

[Amended by Ch. 141 of the Acts of 2019, approved 12-12-2019]

B. Engaging in projects and activities to promote the business of farming, farming activities and tradition, and farmland protection in Town including educational programs and community events; and,

C. Reporting to Town Meeting on its projects and activities on annual basis.

§ 14-26 Members; appointment.

[Amended by Ch. 141 of the Acts of 2019, approved 12-12-2019]

The Commission shall be composed of five members, appointed by the Selectboard, to include one concurrent member of the Conservation Commission and four at-large Town resident representatives. At least three of the members of the Commission shall be engaged in the business of farming or related agricultural industries. The Selectboard shall fill a vacancy based on the unexpired term of the vacancy and in such manner so as to maintain the aforesaid composition of the Commission.

§ 14-27 Terms.

Two members shall be appointed for three year terms; one member for a two year term and three years thereafter; one member for a one year term and three years thereafter and the Conservation Commission member shall be appointed annually.