First Regional Agriculture Council Formed

A Press Release from River COG.

The governing board of the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (River COG) comprised of elected officials from 17 municipalities unanimously voted recently to move forward with forming the State’s First Regional Agriculture Council.

Middlesex County Farm Bureau President Walter Adametz brought this initiative and presentation before River COG with support of a group comprised of members from the East Haddam and Durham Agriculture Commissions, Connecticut Farm Bureau and others.

The objective of the Regional Council is to support farming in the 17 municipalities and promote agriculture-friendly land use and municipal policies. Goals of the Regional Council will be similar to a municipal commission, and will include: serving as an information and education conduit between farmers, municipal boards and commissions, elected officials, nonprofit agencies, and civic organizations; providing guidance and review of municipal land use regulations related to agriculture; providing guidance and information regarding agriculturally related tax programs and policies; assisting with conflict resolution of agriculturally related issues; and identifying economic opportunities for towns and farmers.

In 2011 Public Act 11-188 AN ACT AUTHORIZING LOCAL AND REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL COUNCILS AND CONCERNING CONSIDERATION OF AGRICULTURE IN LOCAL PLANS OF CONSERVATIOIN AND DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING REGULATIONS was enacted by the Connecticut General Assembly. Proposed by the Connecticut Farm Bureau, this bill encourages formation of commissions or councils to bring agricultural concerns to the forefront of discussions on planning and zoning within municipalities. While there are about 20 agriculture commissions in municipalities across the state, River COG is the first to establish the regional commission.

"Our region faces many issues related to agricultural development," says Mr. Adametz, "and it seemed like we could address and resolve some of the bigger concerns of agriculture if we tackle them together rather than try to align 17 different municipal commissions. Granted, some communities may vary in their views, but there's a trend toward regionalizing resources of all kinds so this just made sense to try. This council seems like the most efficient body to proactively focus on the opportunities for farming in the lower Connecticut river valley. We thank River COG for their cooperation and permitting the opportunity to the agricultural community to initiate this group," he added.

The 17 communities represented by River COG include Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Killingworth, Haddam, Lyme, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

About the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association

Since 1919, The Connecticut Farm Bureau Association has provided a strong, clear voice in state agricultural issues. As a non-governmental, membership organization serving farm families, the Connecticut Farm Bureau's mission is to advocate for agriculture and find solutions for concerns facing production agriculture in our counties, state and nation.  Volunteer leaders and staff work closely with state and federal regulatory agencies and elected officials on issues ranging from economic viability, property rights, taxation, land use planning to labor laws and farmland preservation. Connecticut Farm Bureau believes that representing the interest of farmers also benefits all Connecticut residents who enjoy safe, locally grown, farm-fresh products.  For more information visit www.cfba.org.