[Adopted 5-4-2013 ATM by Art. 20 (Art. XXIX of the Town Bylaws)]
[Amended 11-16-2015 STM by Art.
11]
The Agricultural Commission, once appointed shall develop a
work plan to guide its activities. Such activities may include, but
are not limited to, the following: encouraging the continued pursuit
of agriculture in Lunenburg; promoting agricultural-based economic
opportunities in Town; mediating, advocating, educating and/or negotiating
on farming issues; working for the preservation of prime agricultural
lands; overseeing, operating or running a farmers' market; and pursuing
all initiatives appropriate to retaining farming in Lunenburg.
[Amended 5-5-2018 ATM
by Art. 30; 5-7-2022 ATM by Art. 24]
The Commission shall consist of five members, and two alternate
members, appointed by the Select Board at the recommendation of the
Town Manager. A majority of the membership shall be substantially
engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. Members shall be appointed
to serve three-year terms, except that the initial terms of office
shall be staggered at the discretion of the Select Board, so that
the approximately 1/3 of the terms shall expire each year. The appointing
authority shall fill any vacancy based on the unexpired term being
vacated at the recommendations of the standing Commission.
[Amended 5-7-2022 ATM by Art. 24]
The Agricultural Commission will assist in maintaining agriculture
in Lunenburg. Specifically, the Agricultural Commission will administer
the Right-to-Farm Bylaw,[1] and will hold additional responsibilities as charged by
the Select Board. The Right-to-Farm Bylaw and creation of an Agricultural
Commission are components of the commonwealth's "Sustainable Development"
program, thereby helping Lunenburg become eligible for various state
grant programs.
