An Agriculture Commission is hereby established (hereafter known
and the "Commission") to represent the Townsend agricultural community.
Said Commission shall serve as facilitators for encouraging
the pursuit of agriculture in Townsend; shall promote agricultural-based
economic opportunities in the Town; act as mediators, advocates, educators,
and/or negotiators on farming and forestry issues, shall work for
preservation of prime agricultural and forestry lands; and shall pursue
all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural
community.
The Commission shall consist of five Townsend residents appointed
by the Board of Selectmen. Not fewer than three members shall derive
income from farming, forestry or agricultural-based enterprises in
Townsend, and the other two members shall be interested in farming.
At the time of initial appointment, two members shall be appointed
for a term of three years, two members shall be appointed for a term
of two years, and one member shall be appointed for a term of one
year. Thereafter, terms shall be three years. Up to three alternates
may also be appointed, each for one-year terms.
The Board of Selectmen shall solicit input from the Commission
prior to making appointments to fill vacancies.
The Commission shall report on its projects on an annual basis
within the Town report.