[Amended 5-30-2023]
Per the Thompson Plan of Conservation and Development adopted
November 23, 2009, the mission of the Agriculture Commission is to
maintain, sustain, and enhance agriculture so that it will remain
a fundamental part of the Thompson landscape and economy by providing
flexibility to assist in the evolution of the agricultural industry.
The Thompson Agriculture Commission shall be an advisory board
with the following charges and duties:
A. General.
(1) To foster sustainable agriculture in Thompson.
(2) To serve as a conduit between local farmers and nonprofit agencies,
civic organizations, municipal boards and commissions, elected officials,
and nonfarm residents.
(3) To advocate for agriculture before land use and other committees
and commissions.
(4) To act as a resource for agricultural information.
B. Education
and outreach.
(1) To increase awareness of agricultural enterprises in the community.
(2) To provide information to Town government about agricultural laws
and legal issues.
(3) To promote the value of agriculture viability in the areas of employment,
property taxes, environment and open space preservation.
(4) To provide information and guidance on agriculture-related issues,
such as zoning, inland wetlands, public works, and others, to Town
departments and other boards and commissions, and other members of
the community, as necessary.
(5) To support farmers by supporting local, regional, and state vocational
agricultural education programs.
(6) To recognize and support farming operations and farms.
C. Conflict
resolution. To assist in limiting farm and nonfarm conflicts.
D. Economic
opportunities.
(1) To identify opportunities for expanding agriculture in Thompson.
(2) To promote opportunities for residents and local businesses to support
farming.
(3) To provide information regarding available financial support related
to agricultural viability.
(4) To foster a climate that supports agricultural viability in Thompson.
[Amended 5-30-2023]
The Agriculture Commission will be appointed by the Select Board
in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, as amended. Insofar
as practical, members appointed shall be representative of all groups
interested in the management, protection, and regulation of agriculture
as defined by Connecticut General Statutes § 1-1(q), as
amended, particularly those directly involved in agriculture. The
initial appointments to the Commission shall be as follows: one member
to be appointed for a term of one year; one member to be appointed
for a term of two years; one member to be appointed for a term of
three years; one member to be appointed for a term of four years;
and one member to be appointed for a term of five years. Alternate
members shall be appointed initially in the same manner: one alternate
member to be appointed for a term of one year; one alternate member
to be appointed for a term of two years; one alternate member to be
appointed for a term of three years; one alternate member to be appointed
for a term of four years. Thereafter, each new appointment shall be
for a term of five years, except that, in case of vacancies occurring
for any reason, appointments may be made to fill the unexpired portion
of such term. A meeting to elect a Chair, Vice Chair and a Secretary
shall occur annually. Each December a schedule of meetings for the
upcoming year shall be filed with the Town Clerk.