East Lyme looks to be a more 'farm-friendly' community

East Lyme — Town officials say they support agriculture, but an upcoming vote will put them on the record.

The Board of Selectmen will vote at its meeting Wednesday on whether to form an Agricultural Commission instead of having it function as a subcommittee under the Commission for the Conservation of Natural Resources. Local farmers and supporters of agriculture have been pushing for the commission for about a year.

The group could take on tasks such as starting up local farm markets and farm festivals and promote the idea of agriculture.

Selectwoman Rose Ann Hardy brought the proposal to the board in December. She explained that better grant opportunities would be available to both local farms and the town if it established an Agricultural Commission. Grants are available from the state's Agriculture Viability program.

"Originally I didn't want to add to the bureaucracy by adding another commission. But over the last couple months my feelings have changed," Hardy said.

At the January Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Paul Formica said he is supportive of agriculture but wanted to try and accomplish the same goals with a subcommittee, not another commission.

Members of the Commission for the Conservation of Natural Resources estimated that the commission would cost between $300 to $500, for recording-secretary fees and to make photocopies of brochures and other materials.

The Agricultural Commission would serve as a local voice advocating for farmers, farm businesses and farm interests. It would provide visibility for farming and give farmers a place to go for technical, financial and business assistance. The commission also would work to protect farmland and other natural resources.

Marvin Schutt, secretary of the Commission for the Conservation of Natural Resources, said the ordinance is "good for the farmer, good for the town, the town government and good for the public."

"I feel it is important to have East Lyme be a farm-friendly town. Having an ordinance that helps the farmer maintains farmland as open space," Schutt said.

Commission members would work with town boards on issues facing farming and the town, and it would start up local farmers markets and farm festivals. It would create an informational Web site and map of local farms and educate town officials about agricultural laws, such as the Right to Farm.

Selectmen would appoint the Agricultural Commission, consisting of five members and two alternates with staggered terms. Members of the commission would serve without any financial compensation, and they are required to be a town resident.

In the town's Plan of Conservation and Development, which was recently approved, there is a recommendation for the town to form an Agricultural Commission.

a.renczkowski@theday.com