The Mattapoisett Agricultural Commission is populated by members whose families reach far back into the history of local farming, as well as newer business owners whose livelihoods depend on healthy farm animals and good growing seasons. They are an active group of volunteers whose interests in farming go beyond hobby, and whose commitment to keeping agricultural activities vital cannot be overstated.

Now they are stepping forward into the public arena – Town Meeting – with Article 35: Adoption of Right to Farm Bylaw.

Agricultural Commission Chairman Bob Spooner and members Jess Collyer, Dorothy Nunes, Mike Dubuc, Mike King, Shiloah Major, and Gerald Randall believe that with the passage of a Right to Farm bylaw, the town will be better prepared to compete with other cities and towns throughout the state vying for grant monies that can be essential in keeping farmlands and open spaces available for agricultural activities now and in the coming decades.

Having well-written clear rules and regulations at the local level, the commission asserts, is one key to being viewed as a community committed to supporting local farmers.

            During the April 29 meeting, they were working on a handout for the Annual Town Meeting on May 11. The handout is aimed at educating the public about the importance of bylaws to protect this traditional way of life. Topics such as why a Right to Farm bylaw is needed, why state laws aren’t sufficient, and why the bylaw benefits the town’s economy are discussed in the handout.

“The right to farm bylaw doesn’t change anything that’s already on the books (state regulations),” said Spooner, “but with local bylaws and farmers’ markets, it helps us locally when applying for state grants … it tells everyone ‘we are here.’”

Mattapoisett currently has zoning bylaws governing some aspects of farming. Building Inspector Andy Bobola said, “You are required to have two acres to be exempt from zoning bylaws (and therefore able to use property for farming activities).” He continued, “Such activities as agriculture, horticulture, and floral cultivation are some of the activities that are allowed.” He said the number of horses or other livestock per acre is regulated, as are the boundary line setbacks required for barns and stalls.

Bobola shared that, several years ago, the state changed the acreage required for farming from five acres to two in an effort to encourage people to think about farming options rather than subdivision development.

Bobola pointed out that there are occasions when neighbors may be in conflict. Occasions, he said, might be due to farming activities that one neighbor finds “obnoxious,” while the farmer believes they are normal sounds, smells, and property conditions. He said that in those instances, the Agriculture Commission could be useful in providing mediation.

There is also something called “Chapter Lands.” Chief Assessor Kathleen Costello explained, “Chapter Lands is a state program, 61A. You need five acres and to be actively involved in agriculture. The land then receives a reduced value for taxes, locks the property up for five years and puts a lien on it.” There are consequences to the landowner if land is sold off or subdivided before the end of the five-year period. She said there are chapter lands in Mattapoisett.

“In my opinion, it’s a great program,” Costello said. “It maintains the rural nature of the town, helps farmlands, and preserves the beauty of the uplands.” She pointed out that, unlike farms, a subdivision ends up actually costing the town money with less economic value due to increased populations requiring town services. Of chapter land status she concluded, “It’s a fabulous program that benefits the town.”

Spooner said the commission is hoping voters in town will come out and support the Right to Farm bylaw, becoming more aware that farming is alive and well in Mattapoisett and an important part of what the town has to offer its residents.

If you want more information about agricultural opportunities in Mattapoisett or the work of the commission, meetings are held on the first Wednesday each month at 6:00 pm in Town Hall. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Agricultural Commission is scheduled for May 6 at 6:00 pm.

By Marilou Newell