Agriculture Commission

Duties

•  Conduit between non-profit agencies, civic organizations, municipal boards and commissions, elected officials, and local farmers.
• Serve as an agricultural clearinghouse by creating an informational website and map of local farms.
• Chart land use in Durham to support a balance between agriculture, preservation and other land uses. 
• Recommend changes to language and practices across town departments and other boards and commissions regarding a local definition for agriculture, farming and farms. 
• Educate town government about agricultural laws, such as Right to Farm, and legal issues regarding farm machinery, buildings and operations. 
• 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.
• Act as a sounding board / provide review / to town departments, boards and commissions concerning the impact of proposed town policies on farms.
• Support young farmers and new farmers and to support local, regional and state vocational agriculture education programs.
• Serve as a resource for information and non-binding advice for residents, established town committees and departments concerning the resolution of agriculture related conflicts. 
• Identify innovative opportunities for farming additional lands in Durham. 
• Promote opportunities for residents and local businesses to support and value farming.
• Work to create a climate that supports the economic viability of farming as a career in Durham. 
• Create a sustainable agriculture community. 
• Secure the land base necessary for future agricultural uses.