Agricultural Commission Model WarrantMODEL AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WARRANT ARTICLE
Prepared by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
1.0: Agricultural Commission
To see if the Town will vote to establish an Agricultural Commission to address and represent agricultural issues and interests in the Town of [NAME].
The purpose of the Commission is to preserve, revitalize and sustain the Town’s agricultural industry and to promote agricultural based-economic activities. Said Commission once appointed
shall develop a work plan to guide its activities as charged by the Board of Selectman. Such activities include, but are not limited to:
Encourage the continued pursuit of agriculture in Town;
Promote agricultural-based economic opportunities in Town;
Work with Town Boards and other local organizations on projects and activities involving agricultural lands in Town;
Mediate, advocate, educate, and negotiate on farming issues;
Work for preservation of prime agricultural lands; and
Pursue all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community.
The Board of Selectman shall appoint a five-member commission, at least four of whom shall be town residents. The Commission shall consist of a minimum of two members whose primary or
secondary source of income is derived from farming of agricultural-based enterprises in Town and another three who are interested in farming. Two members shall serve a term of three
years, two members for a term of two years, and three years thereafter, and one member for a term of one year, and three years after. The Board of Selectman shall fill a vacancy based
on the un-expired term of the vacancy in
order to maintain the cycle of appointments, based on the recommendations of the Commission.