Agricultural Commissions

AgCom Conference and Meeting Information

Massachusetts Agricultural Commissions’ Conference
Saturday, March 20, 2010

Student Center, Blue Room (first floor)
Worcester State College
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
Proposed Agenda & Registration Form at Ag Com website

Western Massachusetts Ag Commission Newsletter - January 2010 [PDF]

STATE AG DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF A HANDBOOK FOR TOWN AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONS

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has announced the release of A Handbook for Agricultural Commissions. This 150 page book is a step-by-step reference guide for newly organized agricultural commissions (AgComs).

This handbook, developed by the Pilgrim Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council through a grant provided by the MDAR, presents successful organizational and planning strategies used by AgComs. Actual examples from existing AgComs are provided and include their purpose, structure and steps they used to plan and implement their work.

MDAR can also provide hard copy handbooks in 3-ring binders to existing AgComs throughout the Commonwealth. For more information about AgComs or to request a copy of the handbook call 617-626-1759.

The AgCom represents the farming community, encourages the pursuit of agriculture, promotes agriculture-based economic opportunities and works to protect and sustain agricultural businesses and farmland. AgComs are a standing committee of town government, created through a vote at Town Meeting appointed by the Board of Selectmen or governing body of the town.

AgComs have been organizing in towns and cities throughout the state. More than 100 AgComs exist today, with more planned for the future.

View Handbook by Chapter [PDF] | View Full Handbook [PDF]

Building Relationships with Town Boards and Staff [PDF]

Organizing a Town Agricultural Commission

What is an agricultural commission (ag comm)?

Under Massachusetts law, communities can create committees at the town level that serve in the interest of that town.

AgComs are committees that are formed by vote of Town Meetings or Town or City Councils.
Each town or city can decide what the duties and responsibilities of the AgCom will be and specify those duties in the text of the warrant article or council ordinance.

What does an ag comm do?

Serves as a local voice advocating for farmers, farm businesses, and farm interests
Provides visibility for farming and forestry
Works with other town boards on issues facing the town
Helps resolve farm related problems or conflicts
Protects farmland
Assists with natural resource management

Where to get help organizing an Agricultural Commission?

As of July 2009, 129 towns have established AgComs, and many more are considering doing the same. For information about each AgCom, go to the statewide AgCom website, www.massagcom.org; click on “About AgComs,” then “MA AgComs,” then on the Mass map click on the town you are looking for.

Assistance can be obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the other organizations listed on the left side of this page (American Farmland Trust, CISA, Patriot RC&D, Pilgrim RC&D, Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D, Mass Farm Bureau).

A CD is available to provide all the tools needed for organizing an AgCom. The CD contains sample documents that can be customized. The files on the CD can also be found by clicking on the links below. The CD contains a Power Point presentation that you can use when speaking to local groups. Because of its large size, the presentation is available only on the CD.

To order a copy of the “Organizing a Town Agricultural Commission” CD contact:

Pilgrim RC&D Area Council
15 Cranberry Highway
West Wareham, MA 02576
Phone: (508) 295-1317
Email: irene.winkler@ma.usda.gov

All files are in MS Word format except those marked with [PDF] (Adobe Acrobat) or [PPT] (MS PowerPoint)

1. Exploratory meeting invitation	10. Ag Commission warrant articles
2. Exploratory meeting news release	11. Member selection criteria
3. Exploratory meeting agenda	12. News release soliciting membership
4. Town planner talking points	13. Ag commission action register
5. 1st steering committee meeting agenda	14. 1st commission meeting guidelines
6. 1st steering committee meeting notes	15. Ag commission work plans
7. Steering committee timeline	16. “Support Warrant Article” flyer
8. 2nd steering committee meeting agenda	17. Ag Commission brochure [PDF]
9. Planning board meeting talking points

Provided by the
Pilgrim Resource Conservation and Development Area Council, Inc.
through a grant from the
Society for Promoting Massachusetts Agriculture
with technical assistance provided by Irene Winkler, RC&D Coordinator, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Special thanks to Dartmouth Community Television for production assistance.