Agricultural Commission, August 22, 2017
Attendance: Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Eileen Charbonneau, Chris Hugo,
Maleah Gustafson (@7:55PM)
Absent: Tim Ethier
Others Present: Amy Parker
Meeting called to order @7:37 PM
There was no meeting in July. Maleah may have the minutes from June. They will be reviewed in September.
The members discussed the status of Holden Farmers’ Market. A new manager is apparently in place. Bad feelings still seem to exist over the forced entry of Lilac Hedge Farm. Ideas were solicited to improve the situation for next year. A proposal was made to invite HFM vendors and Town officials to an end-of-year review/grievance session to be hosted by the Ag Comm. After the last scheduled market day in October was suggested.
On a motion by Eileen, seconded by Maleah, the suggestion was formalized unanimously. The Chair will invite vendors, through the market manager, the Town Manager, and Board of Health representative.
The members discussed options for the next event in the Red Barn Education Series. Eileen had been in contact with Shepard’s Gate Farm about a presentation on back yard goat farming. The concept was agreed to and Eileen will attempt to schedule for September 23 at 10:30AM at the Red Barn. The only potential problem is that the speaker usually charges a $100-$150 fee for the presentation. Eileen will make a flyer. Jim will get the flyer on the Ag Comm WWW site and the Town’s electronic bulletin board. Maleah will link the flyer to the Ag Comm, and other, Facebook pages. Chris will coordinate with the Red Barn. On a motion by Steve, seconded by Eileen, the members voted unanimously to use any available Ag Comm funds to support the Goat Farming Seminar.
The members discussed concerns raised by Farmer’s Market vendors about newly required Board of Health permits and fees and inconsistent application of regulations. A common theme seems to be the Town’s new arrangement with the Worcester Board of Health. It was suggested that this might be an area of discussion to combine with the Market vendor meeting in October.
Additional candidates for the Agricultural Education series were discussed. Rachael Ross from Hillside Herbals has suitable presentation. We should work to see if the Recreation Department or the Library would help sponsor the event. Chris suggested Holden Cable TV to record the presentation and put it on Channel 191.
No new information was presented on Chapter 61 or Town property management. Jim brought Chris up to date on the Ag Comm’s recent work in those areas.
Maleah reported that Central Mass Grown has been busy with a Dairy documentary last night attended by about 120 people. They also participated in an event/tour with Congressman Mc Govern in Paxton and Rutland. CMG is looking for a college age intern. Maleah will be giving a presentation on food sustainability in December.
The Mass Local food coop will be closing after 9 years.
On a motion by Jim, seconded by Eileen, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM.
Respectfully submitted;
James Dunn
Acting Secretary