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THE PILGRIM RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT AREA COUNCIL, INC. Providing assistance to communities, groups, and organizations with: Community Development Land Conservation & Management Water Conservation & Management Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Promotion
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONS As of April 2, 2008, there are 110 AgComs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For a complete list please visit the new Massachusetts Agricultural Commissions Website for more information on AgComs in Massachusetts!!!! www.massagcom.org Resources for Agricultural Commissions
Support Click here to view the AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION HANDBOOK by Chapters & Click here to view the AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION HANDBOOK in full Training Guides Building Relationships with Town Boards and Staff
Agricultural Carver Agricultural Commission 2006 Farmer/Landowner Survey Inventories
Community Living Near a Farm-Carver Agricultural Commission Brochure Agricultural Farms In Our Community-Carver Agricultural Commission Brochure Education
Conflict Conflict Resolution Protocol-Sunderland Resolution Conflict Resolution Form-Sunderland
A toolkit for Organizing an Agricultural Commission
Table of Contents
Provided by the
Why are Towns establishing Agricultural Commissions? Many towns trying to balance growth and quality of life issues are creating agricultural commissions. The intent of an agricultural commission is simple: protect agricultural lands, provide a voice for farmers, agricultural based businesses, and preserve rural character.
What does an Agricultural Commission do? ¨ Serves as a local voice advocating for farmers, farm businesses and farm interests ¨ Provides visibility for farming ¨ Works with other town boards on issues facing the town that effect agriculture ¨ Helps resolve farm related problems or conflicts ¨ Protects farmland and natural resources
Who can start an Agricultural Commission? Any local resident or group concerned about their communities’ farming, farm businesses, growth, rural character, open space, etc., can start organizing support for an agricultural commission.
Who can serve on an Agricultural Commission? Anyone who is a resident of the town is eligible to sit on a town board or commission. However, the by-law created and passed by the town determines the number of members and composition of the commission. In towns with existing agricultural commissions there are several types of members – voting, alternate, and advisory. Usually the voting members are full-time farmers. Each town should decide what type of membership and qualifications are appropriate for their community.
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