Meeting Recap, January 27: Committee Asks for Support from Farmers

The Concord Agricultural Commission Feasibility Committee met on January 27, welcoming guests from agricultural commissions in Lee, Canterbury and Merrimack, New Hampshire. With five committee members in attendance, along with five guests from the community, the group heard presentations on the formation and activities of the three established agricultural commissions.

Committee Members Present: Eleanor Baron, Nada Haddad, Kit Morgan, Laura Morrison, Rob Larocque

Others Present: Chuck Souther, Diane Souther, Dean Wilber, Jonathan Gregory, Vanessa Goold

Presenters: Wayne Mann, Canterbury Agricultural Commission; Eber Currier, Merrimack Agricultural Commission; John Lastowka, Merrimack Agricultural Commission; Erick Sawtelle, Lee Agricultural Commission

Each presenter described the story of the formation of his town’s agricultural commission and highlighted a few activities and successes of his commission. The scope of each commission was different, ranging from a mostly advisory body (Canterbury) to a fully developed organization, including subcommittees, (Merrimack) that is proactively bringing agriculture-related services and activities to town residents. Likewise, the Lee Agricultural Commission brings a range of educational activities to town residents, with one of its goals being to develop young farmers.

Other activities described included:

• Agriculture and conservation newsletter (Lee)
• Agriculture map for visitors (Canterbury)
• Master plan review (Lee)
• Ordinance review (Lee)
• Establishment of a definition of “farmers market” (Lee)
• Review of sign ordinance (Lee and Merrimack)
• Backyard farming initiative (Lee)
• Community garden (Merrimack)
• Farmers market (Merrimack)

All presenters emphasized the importance of an agricultural commission being made up almost entirely of active farmers. All presenters emphasized the vital role of an agricultural commission “providing a voice at the table for farmers.” The three commissions varied broadly in their focus on community needs (non-farming) versus the needs of the production agriculture community only.

Following the guest presentations and discussion, the committee met to discuss next steps. All agreed that:

• an agricultural commission in Concord would provide a valuable “voice at the table” for agriculture in the City;
• and that a stronger show of support is needed from the farming community before moving forward with a presentation to City Council.

The committee agreed that a letter should be sent by the chair to all known Concord farmers and ag business owners, asking them to express their interest in and support for the agricultural commission initiative. It was also agreed that the letter would encourage those individuals to attend the February 4 agricultural commission workshop at New Hampshire Farm and Forest, and informally gather after the workshop to discuss their interest.

The letter, from Eleanor Baron on behalf of the committee, was mailed shortly after the January 27 meeting. Since that time, Eleanor heard from one individual who expressed support but is unable to serve or help out at this time. Nobody (other than Eleanor and Nada Haddad, who was co-presenting) attended the workshop at Farm and Forest.

The next meeting of the committee, to briefly discuss next steps, will be on Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. at the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission Office.

Feasibility Committee Meeting Recap: January 6, 2011

Committee Members Present: Eleanor Baron, Nada Haddad, Jane Presby, Laura Morrison, Kit Morgan

Others Present: Dean Wilber, Rob Morrill, Chuck Souther, Jonathan Gregory,Vanessa Goold

Announcements: Judy Dickinson stepped down from the committee because of conflicts with meeting dates. Laura Morrison joined the committee. The City of Keene is also considering an agricultural commission.

After a brief recap of the December 2 meeting, the committee continued the discussion of possible focus areas for an agricultural commission in the City of Concord. Some concerns were raised again that the committee should know now if the City Council supports this initiative; it was pointed out that we have already heard strong, informal support from three City Councilors.

All present agreed upon two broad focus areas that encompass most of the more specific concerns raised to date:

• to take the lead in creating an agriculture chapter for the Master Plan
• to serve as a resource and advisory body for any issues related to agriculture that might come before City boards or the City Council

Although many ideas for other activities were discussed, it was agreed that any duplication of efforts with other organizations should be avoided and that we should be realistic about the limitations of volunteer time and energy. Farmers present were also not in favor of projects that would benefit the broader agricultural community but not specifically benefit production farmers.

The committee decided to request the opportunity to present a brief overview of efforts to date to the City Council at the next possible opportunity, and to invite questions from Councilors. The presentation would also include an overview of the enabling statute and the role of agricultural commissions. Direction from City Council would be sought at that time regarding next steps for the committee.

The next meeting of the feasibility committee will take place on Thursday, January 27. Three representatives from the Canterbury and Merrimack Agricultural Commissions will be present to present overviews of their activities and evolution of their commissions. There will be plenty of opportunity for informal discussion and questions.

Next Meeting: Thursday, January 27 at 7 p.m., Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission

Feasibility Committee Meeting Recap: December 2, 2010

Committee Members Present: Eleanor Baron, Nada Haddad, Jane Presby, Mike Cotton, Judy Dickinson

Others Present: Dean Wilber, Rob Morrill, Vanessa Goold

The committee discussed issues to be addressed by a possible agricultural commission. Vanessa Goold (CNHRPC) presented a regulatory review she completed, looking at the City of Concord’s Code of Ordinances. The purpose of her review was to look for areas where the City’s ordinances and regulations might be made more “farm friendly.” Other related issues included:

• the need for clarity about who to call for what at City Hall
• the need for common language for City boards to talk to each other about agricultural issues
• regulation concerns related to “freedom to sell”
• need to educate and inform City staff on technical issues related to agriculture, for example, as related to facility inspections
• communication regarding farmers’ needs, costs and building code issues
• facilitate creation of an “agriculture day” for citizens

The committee discussed the importance of making sure a commission responded to the needs of production agriculture, with some discussion ensuing about the changing face of urban agriculture. Some concern was expressed that the City Council should weigh in on committee’s efforts, in order to determine whether or not to continue. A recommendation to invite all City Councilors and key City staff to the next committee meeting was made. Subsequent to the meeting, after receiving advice on the best protocol to follow, it was decided to wait and bring a presentation or proposal to City Council in the near future.

Next Meeting: Thursday, January 6 at 7 p.m., Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission

Feasibility Committee Forms in Concord

Twenty-four interested farmers, agricultural business owners, city officials and residents met on November 4, 2010 to discuss the formation of an agricultural commission in Concord, New Hampshire. After a lively discussion about the needs of the City, the roles of various existing groups and the potential benefits of creating a commission, the group decided to move ahead by forming a feasibility committee.

Earlier this year, the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission offered technical assistance, through the Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP), for an area group interested in pursuing the formation of an agricultural commission. As a group of citizens interested in protecting and promoting Concord’s agricultural resources and heritage, the Capital City Organic Gardeners (CCOG) submitted a proposal and was granted assistance. The CCOG is glad to serve as the catalyst for this effort and has engaged the support of Concord’s diverse agriculture community in this initiative.

The November 4 discussion focused on the overall role an agricultural commission would serve, if formed; the role currently served by the Conservation Commission; the needs of the agricultural community and the the needs of the community as a whole. At the end of the discussion, the decision was made to form a feasibility committee, which will explore in more detail the formation of an agricultural commission.

The establishment of an agricultural commission would be by a vote of the Concord City Council.

Vanessa Goold, CNHRPC Regional Planner, will serve as the committee’s primary technical support through the remainder of the CTAP funding period, until January 31, 2011.