Agricultural Commission

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COMPOSITION:  Seven (7) members and three (3) alternatives

ELECTED/APPOINTED:  Appointed

ESTABLISHED BY:  Ordinance No. 113

YEAR:  1987

TERMS:  3 years

CURRENT MEETING SCHEDULE:  

GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES:  

1. Inventory and develop information and maps that show active and inactive farmland, prime important farmland and farms in relation to zoning, inland wetlands, drainage basins surface water and groundwater, flood hazard areas, aquifers, and recharge areas, and any other environmentally or resource sensitive areas.

2. Conduct surveys to gather information from farmers and others in the agriculture industry concerning attitudes, conditions, and opinions about the future of farming and related activities and what actions would be required to maintain or enhance agriculture within the town.

3. Promote the use of local agriculture products through displays, fairs, farmers market, agritourism, or any other method deemed appropriate by the commission.

4. Sponsor an agriculture day or days to educate local citizens concerning the multiple benefits of a local agriculture industry and encourage the participation in such events by schools, farmers, and community organizations.

5. If the town, at any time, establishes an agricultural land preservation fund, pursuant to C.G.S. 7131q, act as an advisory to the town council regarding that fund.

6. Recommend to the Town Council to apply for available Federal, State and Private Funds to improve town-owned property.

7. Keep records of its meetings and its activities and submit an annual report to the Town Council.

8. Appoint advisors and/or liaisons to other town commissions and committees dealing with farmland preservation and to assist them in the fulfillment of their duties. (Ord. No. 141, sec. 4, 2-3-97, Amended, 1/ /18)

BY-LAWS (YES/NO):  Yes