There shall be an Agricultural Commission which shall act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Selectmen and other Town boards and commissions on agricultural matters.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Easton 4-25-2011. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Farming — See Ch. 286.
A.
The Commission shall consist of five members who are electors of the Town of Easton. The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Members shall be appointed for terms of three years, provided that in the first year of the Commission, the terms of three members shall expire on the first business day in January not more than three years after initial appointment and shall expire on the first business day in January for two members not more than two years after initial appointment. In making appointments to the Commission, the Board of Selectmen shall give first consideration to persons engaged or interested in agriculture, farm management or the promotion of agriculture and recommendations made by the Commission.
B.
There shall be two alternates who are electors of the Town of Easton. Alternates shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen for terms of three years, provided that in the first year of the Commission, the term of one alternate shall expire on the first business day in January not more than three years after initial appointment and the term of one alternate shall expire on the first business day in January not more than two years after initial appointment.
The members of the Commission, at their first meeting and annually thereafter at their first meeting in January, shall elect from among themselves a Chair and a Secretary. They shall establish, and from time to time reestablish, a regular schedule of meetings, with special meetings as required. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Chair or upon written or electronic request of any member. Three members shall constitute a quorum. The Commission shall report to the Board of Selectmen annually or as may be requested by the Board of Selectmen.
The Commission shall:
A.
Support, promote, and encourage agriculture and agricultural pursuits.
B.
Serve as a conduit between nonprofit agencies, civic organizations, municipal boards and commissions, elected and appointed government officials at the local, state and federal level, local businesses, local farmers, and persons engaged in agricultural pursuits locally.
C.
Advise the Board of Selectmen on issues relating to agriculture; the land use boards, commissions and officials on land uses and areas deemed especially useful for agricultural purposes and other zoning and planning concerns related to agriculture; and other public bodies and officials on agricultural issues within their respective purview, and shall serve as a resource and have input into policy regarding laws and regulations dealing with agriculture, agricultural equipment, buildings and operations.
D.
Support opportunities for new farmers.
E.
Support local, regional and state vocational agricultural education programs and enrichment programs within the Easton school system with respect to agriculture.
F.
Assist in the resolution of any conflicts between agricultural interests and Town bodies or officials.
G.
Support public education about the value and desirability of agricultural pursuits, including but not limited to developing and updating information and maps regarding agriculture in Easton.
H.
Promote opportunities to preserve and expand farms in Easton and for citizens to value and support local farms.
I.
Conduct surveys of farmers and others in agricultural industry concerning farming and farm-related activities and actions to maintain and enhance agriculture within Easton.
J.
Promote the use of agricultural products through the Town website, displays, fairs, or otherwise.
K.
Have oversight over farming activities on all Town-owned land.