Agriculture Commission

 Current Board Members:

Roger Passavant, R, 12-31-2023
Bob Miller, R, 12-31-2023
Joe Pasquale, D, 12-31-2024, Chair
Melissa Dziurgot, U, 12-31-2024, Vice-Chair
Richard Porter, R, 12-31-2024

Alternates
Randy McLean, D, 12-31-2023
Susan Cummings, U, 12-31-2023
Warren Herzig, U, 12-31-2025 

Constitution of Board/Quorum:

The Agriculture Commission will consist of 5 members and 3 alternates.  Members and alternates will be appointed by the Board of Selectmen in accordance to Connecticut General Statutes and Town Charter.  Insofar as practical, members appointed shall be representative of all groups interested in the management, protection and regulation of agriculture as defined by Connecticut General Statutes 1-1q, particularly those directly involved in agriculture.  The failure of a voting member to attend four (4) consecutive meetings of the commission shall constitute cause for the Board of Selectmen to remove the member and fill the position thus vacated.

Term of Office: 

Three years

Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

Authority:

Adopted by ordinance on  June 22, 2009

Powers and
Duties:

The Agriculture Commission shall be an advisory board to the Board of Selectmen with the following charges and duties:

A. Information - To serve as a conduit between non-profit agencies, civic organizations, municipal boards and commissions, elected officials, and local farmers.  To serve as an agricultural clearinghouse by creating an informational website and map of local farms.  To chart land use in Durham to support a balance between agriculture, preservation and other land uses.  

B. Education - To recommend changes to language and practices across town departments and other boards and commissions regarding a local definition for agriculture, farming and farms.  To educate town government about agricultural laws, such as Right to Farm, and legal issues regarding farm machinery, buildings and operations.  To provide information and guidance on agriculture-related issues—such as zoning, inland wetland, public works and others—to town departments and other boards and commissions as necessary.  To act as a sounding board / provide review / to town departments, boards and commissions concerning the impact of proposed town policies on farms.  To support young farmers and new farmers. To support local, regional and state vocational agriculture education programs.  

C. Conflict Resolution - To serve as a resource for information and non-binding advice for residents, established town committees and departments concerning the resolution of agriculture related conflicts.

D. Economic Opportunities - To identify innovative opportunities for farming additional lands in Durham.  To promote opportunities for residents and local businesses to support and value farming.  To serve as a conduit between non-profit agencies, funders, and local farmers.  To work to create a climate that supports the economic viability of farming as a career in Durham. To create a sustainable agriculture community.  To secure the land base necessary for future agricultural uses. 

RiverCOG Regional Agriculture Council:

Durham is a member of the RiverCOG Regional Agriculture Council

Ordinance:

Right to Farm Ordinance