Franklin Agricultural Commission
Franklin AgCom
What is an Agricultural Commission (AgCom)??
-An AgCom, which is allowed under Massachusetts' law, is a standing committee of town government, created through a vote of Town Meeting and appointed by the Board of Selectmen or governing body of the town
-AgComs represent the farming community, encourage the pursuit of agriculture, promote agricultural economic development and protect farmlands and farm businesses, and preserve, revitalize and sustain agricultural businesses and land
Massachusetts Association of Agricultural Commissions (MAAC)
Franklin Agricultural Commission
-The local farming community in Franklin came together to form the Franklin Agricultural Commission
-The Franklin Town Council approved the Franklin AgCom in May of 2017 to promote, develop and foster agricultural resources in the Town of Franklin
-The Committee consists of 5 Members with 3 Year terms. (Members shall be residents of Franklin and at least 2 members shall be active farmers, employeed in an agriculture-related field or have experience and knowledge in agricultural practices or business)
-In March of 2018, the first members of the AgCom were sworn in
Chair: Carly Fisher
Vice Chair: Jeff Perry
Clerk: Marian Szymanski
Member: Linda Noel
Member: Roger Trahan
Associate: Tim Garboski
Associate: Nick Hoffman
What is the mission of the Franklin Agricultural Commission??
To support, promote, and enhance the long-term economic and environmental viability of Franklin agriculture.
What are the benefits of the Franklin AgCom??
-Helps to educate our community, including about normal farming practices
-Keeps the community updated on agricultural issues and events both locally and across Massachusetts
-Serves as a local voice advocating for farmers, farm businesses and farm interests
Massachusetts Association of Agricultural Commissions (MAAC)
Franklin Agricultural Commission
How can you get involved??
-Attend Franklin AgCom meetings
-Volunteer with the Franklin AgCom
-Attend other town meetings when topics relevant to local agriculture are discussed
-Support, visit, and shop at our local farms, farmer's market, and farm store
-Stay tuned for upcoming events
-Check for information on the website: www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission
-Follow the Franklin Ag Comm Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa/
Franklin Farming
Clarion Farm
Cook Valley Farm
Fairmont Fruit Farm
Franklin Agway
Franklin Farmers' Market
Franklin Honey Company
Gianetti’s U Pick Blueberries
Grateful Farm
Hoffmann Farm
Linda's Tomatoes
Lunaria Farm
Northeast Bees
Painted Lady Farm
Wadsworth Farm
Woodcrest Farm
Want to know more???
You can look forward to weekly flyers all summer!
I'll be providing information on the Agricultural Commission, the local farms, all their wonderful products, the farmers' market, CSAs, and health and nutrition information.
A Little About Me:
This newsletter is part of my summer practicum project to complete my Master's in Public Health Nutrition from UMass Amherst. I am community member and a volunteer with the Franklin Agricultural Commission. I am passionate about eating fresh and local foods and I am excited to share information about our local farms and Agricultural Commission with you all summer.
Thanks!
Jennifer Nicholls
BS Nutrition
MS Emergency Management
MPH Nutrition (Pending)
June 2018
Vol 2