There shall be an Agricultural Commission (Commission) to promote
and develop the agricultural resources of the Town; to promote agricultural-based
economic opportunities; to preserve, revitalize and sustain the Groton
agricultural industry; to encourage the pursuit of agriculture as
a career opportunity and lifestyle in the Town of Groton; and to represent
the Groton farming community.
[Amended 10-1-2018 ATM
by Art. 14]
The Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the
Town Manager, subject to approval of the Select Board for a term of
three years; provided, however, that the initial members appointed
under this section shall serve for terms of one, two, or three years,
and the Town Manager shall arrange the terms so that the terms of
approximately 1/3 of the Commission's members shall expire each
year. All members of the Commission must be residents of the Town
of Groton. Not less than three members shall be engaged in farming,
as defined in MGL c. 128, § 1A, or employed in an agriculture-related
field. If persons engaged in farming or persons employed in agriculture-related
fields are not available to serve on the Commission, then the Commission
shall include a majority of members with knowledge and experience
in agricultural practices or knowledge of related agricultural business.
The Town Manager, as the appointing authority, may remove a member
of the Commission for cause, after a public hearing if so requested
by the member. A vacancy created by the removal of a member for cause
shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term of the removed
member and in the same manner as the original appointment.
The Commission shall develop a work plan to guide its activities.
Such activities shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
serve as facilitators for encouraging the pursuit of agriculture in
Groton; 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 or waters
within the Town of Groton; and pursue all initiatives appropriate
to creating a sustainable agricultural community.