AGvocate pg 11 1-13-11
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- Category: Past Issues
The AGvocate Program, administered through the Eastern CT Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc., has been working since 2009 to improve agricultural viability in The Last Green Valley. In recognition of the program’s success, the CT Department of Agriculture has awarded the program a Farm Viability Grant for the third year in a row. The AGvocate Program also has received the CT Chapter of the American Planning Association’s 2010 Public Program Award for “Exemplifying innovation, collaboration, effectiveness and achievement in advancing farm-friendly planning tools and strengthening the viability of agricultural businesses.”
The AGvocate Program includes 10 towns within The Last Green Valley - Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Franklin, Hampton, Sterling, Thompson, Windham, and Woodstock. All ten municipalities receive technical assistance from the AGvocate Project Leader, Jennifer Kaufman. According to Ms. Kaufman, “Each AGvocate community has its individual differences but is facing similar struggles. The AGvocate Program brings the agricultural community together in each town and makes is easier for AGvocate towns to share information and learn from each other. The continued funding and state-wide recognition is a testament to the hard work of all the AGvocate communities and their desire to improve agriculture viability in The Last Green Valley.”
The results of the program have been impressive. Ashford, Brooklyn, Franklin, Sterling, and Thompson have passed ordinances to establish Agriculture Commissions, then appointed members, elected officers, and defined goals. Canterbury’s Board of Selectmen appointed an Agricultural Study Committee. Eastford, Hampton, Windham, and Woodstock are also considering forming a permanent committee or commission to serve as a voice for agriculture within municipalities.
Canterbury, Eastford, Franklin, Sterling, and Thompson passed Right-to-Farm ordinances. Hampton will bring its draft Right-to-Farm Ordinance to Town Meeting this spring. Brooklyn and Woodstock have had Right-to-Farm ordinances for several years.
Each town identified its agricultural product and service providers and reached out to other boards and commissions to determine how to coordinate efforts. Brooklyn, Canterbury, Franklin, Sterling, and Thompson have added sections on agriculture to their Plans of Conservation and Development. Canterbury drafted zoning regulations to accommodate the needs of farmers.