Right to Farm Ordinance Vote Tonight in Durham

Durham residents will decide tonight whether or not they support a Right to Farm ordinance proposed by Durham's Agriculture Commission.

The ordinance will be discussed and voted on during a special town meeting at Durham Town Hall at 8 p.m.

The proposed ordinance has undergone some minor changes since first being introduced by the commission a year ago and "encourages the pursuit of agriculture, promotes agriculture-based economic opportunities, and protects farmland within Durham by allowing agricultural uses and related activities to function with minimal conflict with neighbors and town agencies."

See attached PDF to read the full ordinance.

Although Connecticut already has a right to farm law, several towns have adopted a local right to farm ordinance as a statement of support for farmers, including Canterbury, Pomfret and Woodstock.

"A local right-to-farm ordinance may help new residents prepare for living in a farming community," an agriculture guide for communities says.

Related articles:

Agriculture Commission Proposes Right to Farm Ordinance

Balance Sought in Right to Farm Ordinance in Durham

Agricultural Commission Not Ready to Give Up on Right to Farm Ordinance