===OCR macOS Vision===
===PAGE 1===
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mr. Toale announced both Town Manager and her Executive Assistant are sick with the flu so he asked for all
to bear with them. He opened the meeting with a comment on the events at the close of the meeting last
Tuesday. "As part of our public comment process, we ask speakers to identify themselves and give their
addresses. This is to ensure that the public record is correct and it reflects accurately who was speaking. Last
Tuesday a citizen made an attempt at humor when asked to follow this procedure and the response was
considered offensive. It is my intent as the Chair of this Board to make sure that all citizens feel comfortable
during our meetings and that the process of town government is inclusive and open to all. The newspaper
reported that the comment drew laughs from the Board and for this I am sorry. I take my responsibility as Chair
seriously and will work to improve the perception of the Board through my future actions. I ask my colleagues
to do the same.
66
Tom Alonzo, 284 Lancaster Ave., reminded all this Friday, April 13" at 8:00 p.m. is the Lunenburg Boys and
Girls Club fundraiser, "Are You Smarter than a Sixth Grader?" at the Lunenburg High School Auditorium. It is
free admission, family oriented and a lot of fun. Refreshments will be on sale in the lobby during intermission.
We have a sixteen team slate so there should be a lot of questions which means a lot of humor, which is good
and there will be prizes for the winning teams. You can donate that night, which is optional or you can donate
at http://bgcluboflunenburg.org/wp/ to celebrate a good cause.
Mr. Alonzo thanked the Charter Review Committee for their excellent meeting on Thursday. It had a lot of
great speakers who had good information for the committee. The committee was very receptive. He
acknowledged Mr. Ebersole for running a very crisp meeting and keeping people on point.
Jack Rodriquenz, 178 Arbor Street, DP W Director, stated last week during the Board of Selectmen meeting
there were some negative remarks directed toward himself as a resident from Flat Hill Road has been negatively
impacted by some water. No doubt it is very important but there is more information that needs to be brought
out and he thought it was appropriate that the Board directed this to be an agenda item. Hopefully this will
result in a plan to her satisfaction. More disappointing were the remarks of a Selectman as she chimed in with
the resident with her own criticisms. Mrs. Luck read from a prepared statement a quote that I made in December
2016. Those remarks were true then and they are true now. This was after she introduced to the Board someone
she described as a drainage expert. No one knew the gentleman was coming. Somebody told me that's when I
made the quote. To paraphrase is just that after 23 years I think my experience in the drainage in this town is
sufficient enough to be the person in charge. After quoting me, she spoke of the Selectmen as the Road
Commissioners, talked about the debt exclusion which was outside of public comment; both with a negative
connotation. At that point she stated I was not living up to what I had said. Her criticism is without merit.
In an open televised forum she made a public criticism of me, a personal evaluation of my efforts, specifically
toward the stormwater and debt exclusion and that I have not kept my word. This is an insult to my integrity.
Not keeping my word, that's all I have; that's what we all have. I find this unacceptable. Not only does it lack
common courtesy and respect, it may even have a legal ramification in so far that my rights as a town employee
may have been violated. This was a personal evaluation of my performance and as I understand it I have the
option of choosing an executive session. I must be notified, have it in public session and have counsel present.
I am a pretty proud person but in the end all I am is a husband, a father and a humble public servant.
===PAGE 2===
You have two things to weigh. Since this person we spoke of is a drainage expert in your estimation, I would
expect his opinion would be an expert opinion. So we have the opinion of an expert and a personal criticism.
He thanked the Board and exited.
Current Business:
1. Social Media Policy Discussion
Mr. Toale noted this Board adopted a social media policy on July 18, 2017. It was asked that we review that this
evening. Mr. Ebersole read the Statement of Policy and noted it is posted on the Town Website. He wondered if
it covered only paid town employees or does it include town volunteers as well. Mr. Toale stated the way he
understood it covers anyone who speaks on behalf of the Town on social media.
Mr. Ebersole read the following aloud from the policy, "Employees representing the Town on town social
media sites shall conduct themselves at all times as a professional representative of the Town and in accordance
with all Town Policies..... Any employee authorized to post items on any of the town's social media sites shall
not express his or her own personal views or concerns through such postings. Posting shall only reflect the
views of the Town. " "Employees shall refrain from using social media sites and tools for personal use while on
work time or when using Town provided equipment, unless it is work-related as authorized by the Town
Manager or his or her personal designee. Employees shall have no expectation of privacy when using social
media sites during work hours, or when using Town computers, systems or technology. "
It also addresses employee's personal use of social media sites outside of work. "The Town is aware that
employees may maintain or contribute to a form of social media outside of their job functions. Employees that
post on social media sites outside of work should not discuss work-related information unless the matter about
which that are communicating is a matter of public concern protected by the First Amendment. Employees
shall not disclose any Town- related information that is not already considered public information. As
representatives of the Town, employees should exercise caution with respect to comments they post concerning
he Town, is statelyars or the discussion at one of the Massachusets Municipal Association Annual Meetiars
social media workshops was any official, appointed, employed or elected, should be very careful; we have an
added responsibility. If more than a quorum of a Board is making comments on a social media website, it could
constitute a violation of the Open Meeting Law if everyone is deliberating, so some towns don't post anything.
He believed this policy balances the employees' and other official's rights to make comments on social media
with the balance of the Town's needs.
Ms. Bertram believed the second paragraph is very murky, which reads,
"If employees personally access and/or use external social media platforms, they shall not reference the Town
or any information that would identify the employee's relationship with the Town or Town Department in which
they work in their identity (e.g., username, "handle" or screen name), nor shall the employee speak as a
representative of the Town. It, however, an employee makes or expresses any comment about Town
business or about the employee's job function or job-related activities because the matter is one of
public concern, the employee must disclose his or her relationship with the Town. In doing so, the
employee must also state that the comments he/she is making or posting concerning such Town-
related business reflects his/her own personal views or opinions and that such comments are neither
made on behalf of nor reflect the views of the Town, unless the employee is specifically authorized by
===PAGE 3===
Mr. Toale stated our commitment to communicating and improving communication to the public has led to a
couple of things; we now have a Town Facebook page in addition to the Town website. There is a site for the
Police Department, Fire Department, Eagle House Senior Community Center, the Public Library, and Public
Access Cable. Public Works is working on a site. The intent is that any information that we are trying to get to
the public be published on those sites so people know it's the official word. He had no problem if someone asks
for Town information elsewhere if someone refers them to the official site. But it's important they get the
correct information. Ms. Bertram did not disagree but this policy appears to prohibit such a redirection.
Ms. Luck stated since we are just launching these sites, we need to give them a chance to go and try to
encourage people to direct their attention to those sites. Mr. McQuaid stated people should not expect to get an
answer from us through Facebook because that could start a dialogue outside of public meeting session. Ms.
Luck clarified not an answer but announcements such as road closings, etc.
Further discussion ensued about using other sites other than the Town site and the consequences. Mr. Ebersole
suggested revisiting this policy and defining what a public concern is after the new Town website goes live and
to have legal counsel review the policy.
Ms. Luck noted Section III, #4's wording regarding Town social media sites and use of personal email accounts
was also murky.
2. Review of Skateboard Park Location Proposal at TC Passios
Mr. Toale reported he was at the presentation at the Senior Center and met with Town Manager Lemieux
afterwards. She has created a map as a result of that meeting. This proposal was based on good visibility and
location near the schools and Teen Center. The group needs to have a location in order to proceed forward to
fundraise. Exact dimensions are not finalized.
Option #1 places the skate park between TC Passios and Eagle House Senior Center on Memorial Drive and
Option #2 places it to the right side of the Public Library on Massachusetts Ave.
Ms. Bertram preferred Option 1. She also wanted to present to this Board for discussion the feasibility of
creating more green space where the Brooks House is currently located and removing the turnaround area in
front of TC Passios and making that a public park. That entire green space would become a recreation area
adjacent to the skate park as well as a potential community center at TC Passios. She was not in favor of
Option 2. Mr. McQuaid preferred Option 1.. He suggested reserving some green space along Memorial Drive
for future outdoor events.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2"d: P. Bertram
To approve Option #1 location, to the east of King's Kingdom as a skate park and allowing for future
parking for the TC Passios Building
Discussion: Anthony Caiozzo asked if stipulations such as size happen later. The Board concurred. He asked in
terms of a project requiring reporting prevailing wages; is this subject to that? Mr. Ebersole stated it depends on
who is doing the work and the funding source
Vote: All in Favor
Greg Roy, 105 Chestnut Street, is a civil engineer who would be donating his time to the project. He requested
permission from the Board to place a crew there to do a topographical survey so they could get things rolling.
Mr. Ebersole suggested contacting the Town Manager.
===PAGE 4===
parents or your boss? There was recently a Planning Board meeting that had to do with the Flat Hill Road water
runoff. Matthew Allison, a Planning Board member, recused himself from the Flat Hill Road discussion and did
not comment as an elected official of the Town, but as a private citizen because he has the experience of
knowing the area. She was concerned the policy wording would remove the ability of private citizens to share
their experience and knowledge even in their capacity as an elected official.
Jeffrey Mendoza, 162 Lancaster Ave., Agricultural Commission Chair, and former skateboarder, thanked the
Board for approving the skate park.
Ryan Stober, 275 Pleasant St., stated during the snowstorms this year, the DPW issued a public service
announcement on social media concerning how they would be handling the storm and received 100% positive
public feedback. Why did the messages stop? Ms. Luck asked why people wouldn't be willing to go to a DPW
website. The Board stated it would be discussed when reexamining the social media policy. After a five minute
recess the meeting reconvened at 7:58 p.m.
JOINT MEETING WITH AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS
IT RELATES TO AGRICULTURE
The Planning Board and Agricultural Commission called their meetings to order.
Agricultural Commission members; Jeff Mendoza, Chair; Ryan Stober, Ashley Steele, Arthur Snow
Planning Board members: Greg Bittner, Chair: Matthew Allison, Kenneth Chenis
Also attending: Heather Bowen, Farmer's Market Manager; Land Use Director Adam Burney
Mr. Toale thanked everyone for coming. Jeff Mendoza stated the community wants agriculture to be at the
forefront of the economic development in Town. Dragonfly Garden Cafe is providing retail/counter space to
local farmers on Saturday mornings at the restaurant. Ms. Bowen reported the "Poopapalooza Farm Tour" sold
out by Noon on the day of their event.
Ms. Bertram personally supported turning Town Hall into a future Farmer/Artist Collaborative space. She
believed there was opportunity for utilization of the cafeteria at TC Passios. Is there strong interest in
developing a Farmer's Collaborative? There are grants available that could help with building restoration and
program implementation. There has to be a core group that is going to implement this and work with the
farmers to get this off the ground.
Ms. Bowen stated Lunenburg's Farmer's Market is an eclectic group. Their biggest challenge is a working
budget. Ryan Stober stated there is valuable open space in town. People come in for the beauty of the land and
the farms and that is what we are trying to preserve. He would like to see more Lunenburg farms be more visitor
friendly. Arthur Snow stated he moved to Lunenburg because he wanted to farm. Agritourism can generate a lot
of money if you advertise properly. Snow mentioned if you "Google" Lunenburg farms, only three come up.
Suggestion made to look at available building space for a collective. Another suggestion was made to host a
quarterly Farmer to Table dinner at the TC Passions cafeteria.
Mr. Ebersole asked what is going on with the large farms that have their own farm stands versus the smaller
ones who come to the market. Mendoza stated he spoke to Jerry Lanni (Lanni Orchards) and it was not
economically viable for him to pay someone to set up/breakdown and participate at the market. A farmer with a
smaller farm and a day job would welcome having a Farmer's Market venue to sell at. Stillman's Dairy has
their own store and everyone knows where they are.
Ms. Bowen mentioned she went into a local business and saw maple syrup not from Lunenburg being sold
when there are a couple of townspeople who sell it and it is possibly due to there not being a connection
===PAGE 5===
Committee would be a starting point and could work with groups such as the Planning Board and Agricultural
Commission. She suggested a Planning Board member be a part of that committee. Even though they have
disbanded, the Building Reuse Committee is linked to economic development because having municipal space
available to enhance existing farms and businesses is key. Marketing in partnership with the Town is key.
Mr. McQuaid stated the people who are actually selling their goods should form that coop. The Town does not
have time or personnel who can do it. Ms. Bertram stated she agreed but a town committee needs to do the
outreach and work with those groups.
Mr. Burney stated he saw three high level takeaways that would be action items; first establishing the Economic
Development Committee. They can say we have these buildings, is there an economic purpose for them? They
would Identify and make recommendations. The second is to see is there interest in forming the coop? It appears
the Agricultural Commission is best suited to start that conversation with the farmers, maybe in conjunction
with the Economic Development Committee. What location is going to make the most sense for them? Lastly,
how are we going to define Agritourism? Maybe that could be in conjunction with this coop. What does it mean
and how do we want to start it? Who are the participants? Again this should be a joint conversation with the
Economic Development Committee and the Agricultural Commission.
Mr. Toale stated Town Manager Lemieux had suggested what an Economic Development Committee might
look like; one member from Agricultural Committee, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Open Space
Committee, Board of Selectmen and two citizens; totaling seven members.
He asked is that what we should attack, what we talked about tonight or are we looking for a more granular
subcommittee to work this. Secondly, does this sound like the right composition?
Ms. Bertram thought it was a good start. She agreed with Mr. Burney that it is key that group works with the
Agricultural Commission.
Mr. Ebersole liked the concept but the Economic Development Committee (EDC) will need to have a charge
and the EDC is really bigger as far as lots of things. We have been focusing on agriculture topics and he did not
want it to get lost within the bigger picture. Maybe there should be another subcommittee that works with that
group.
Mr. Allison noted M.G.L. changes that promote farming. Large farms have basically gone away and people are
learning how to do more with less. We need to embrace our right to farm status and lessen our farm size
requirement and encourage citizens to endorse the public market.
Mr. Toale stated he would like to place "Discussion of Creation of an Economic Development Committee" on a
Board of Selectmen agenda. They will need a charge. We will invite all of you to that meeting and we'll take
that as a next step. He asked for public comment on this topic.
Mr. Mendoza stated he was brought here as a three year old and he's still here. Mr. Snow came here for a
reason. It's important that this coop supports itself and that it makes money for everyone involved. He was
concerned about the bigger but not big enough parcels of open space in town and wanted to support
opportunities for small farms. Many farmers can't sell to big food chains due to their demands for so much
produce per week. Lunenburg should try to make it commercially viable for these farmers. The Town should
consider it an investment. A resident on Lancaster Road stated he was happy to see this group making
Lunenburg a destination place. The Planning Board and Agricultural Commission adjourned their meetings.
Motion: R. Ebersole
2": P. Luck
===PAGE 6===
Changes.
The public session adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
*************************Executive Session Minutes are Separate************
Respectfully submitted,
Raine. Peterson
Elaine M. Peterson
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager
**************
===PAGE 7===
's first-ever Poopapalooza event.
SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE
gup at Poopapalooza
Ill
urg
nto
auled
ruck.
sn't
said.
r the
me
. the
one
Sat-
er-
, said
chs
Heather Bowen, manager of the Lunenburg Community Farmer's
Market, shows a map of the participating farms in Saturday's
Poopapalooza to Lunenburg resident Bob Cutting.
practically odorless and doesn't need
munity Farmers' Market, Heather
to be composted before use.
Bowed, said at 9 a.m.; an hour into
You can take it right from the
Poopapalooza, that 10 people had
animal and you're good to go," said
come to her own H & M Farm to
Chabot as she shoveled alpaca
pick up a bucket donated by Aubu-
"beans" resembling rocky dirt mixed
chon Hardware and a map.
with twigs into a 5-galion bucket.
Director of the Lunenburg Com-
Please see POOP/6
Please see HICKORY HILLS/6
Shortage in
Narcan funds
raises alarm
By Robert Mills
rmills@iowellsun.com
LOWELL - A state trust fund that enables
police and firefighters to obtain the overdose-
reversing drug Nar-
• can at discounted
rates has run out of
Editorial/ 11
cash, prompting con-
cerns that first responders could soon have to
shell out more money to save lives.
Attorney General Maura Healey is making an
additional donation to the fund, but also asking
the Legislature, businesses and anyone else who
wants to contribute to consider doing so.
The Municipal Naloxone Bulk Purchasing
Trust Fund was established in 2015, and funded
with $100,000 from the Legislature and
Please see NARCAN/5
LOCAL
Something
fishy
Fitchburg High School
students and staff
members recently
had the chance to
see some exotic sea
creatures up-close
and taste test a few
fish recipes as well
ON THE WEB
TODAY'S QUESTION
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1s Wheel of Fortune
Jeopardy!
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# Price is Right
• A Joker's Wild
Vote at sentinelandenterpriso.com
CONNECT WITH US
Tragedy in
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A bus carrying a junior
hockey team was hit by
a truck Friday, killing 15
and injuring 14 others,
including players and.
team personnel. Page 9
TODAY'S WEATHER
INDEX
Auto/22
Nation/7,12
Business/20-21
Obituaries/9
Classified/23-24
Opinion/10
Community/17-19
Sports/13-16
Local News/3-4
TV/8
Mass./2, 4
World/7,9
digitolfirst:
• MediaNews Group PUBLICATION
===PAGE 8===
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Lunenburg hosts Poopapalooza
POOP/From Page 1
The map displayed the five farms that
gave away animal poop Saturday morn-
ing. Bowen said Poopapalooza exposed
residents to some of the town's smaller
farms where they could introduce them-
selves to the farmers and hopefully lay
the groundwork for a reliable supply of
manure for their gardens.
"Besides just getting it today, they can
go back and have a relationship with the
farmer," she said.
Cars lined up outside Pine Fall Farm
on Elmwood Road, but most of them
weren't there for the poop. Students
arrived for horseback riding lessons at the
sprawling academy and boarding stable.
The stable's 27 horses produce no
shortage of manure, said owner Tammy
Callahan. Mixed with sand, it becomes
loam ideal for agricultural crops and
home gardens.
Her husband, software engineer and
occasional farm hand Bill Cassidy, said
the cold of the early-spring day may have
kept some people away.
He hoped more people would come.out
as the weather warmed to learn about the
barn and Lunenburg's farming tradition.
"It's good exposure for the barn, it
gets people out to see what we're all
about," he said.
Gerard Chabot scoops alpaca manure
during Saturday's Poopapalooza.
SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE
CommUNITY Voices
Supports and resources for those
who have experienced crime
April I0, 2018, 4-7pm
rec, Family-Friendly Event
Leominster City Hall, 25 West Street
info@LUK.org or 800-579-0000
===PAGE 9===
NORTHFIELD RD
CHASE RD
13
2A
MASS AVE
Highland Farm
173 Highland St.
Contact: Maureen & Jon Dupuis
Email: highlandfarmlunenburg@gmail.com
Manure Available: Cow
A Few of Ewe Farm
284 Highland St.
Contact: Greg & Chrissy Bingham
Email: afewofewe@comcast.net
Manure Available: Sheep, Llama, with
Turkey & Chicken
Pine Hill I
271 Elmwood R
Contact: Tamm
E-mail: tammy
Manure Availab
Свеклок
CHESTNUT ST
MAIN
Lunen
OAK AVE
SHITING ST
LANCASTER AVE
Cowdrey
Nature Center
2A
• MASS AVE
in the Meadow Farm
40 Page St.
Contact: Jackie & Gerald Chabot
E-mail: inthemeadow40@gmail.com
Manure Available: Alpaca with
Chicken & Rabbit
PAGE ST
RESERVOIR RD
PAGE ST
BURRAGE ST
Lunenburg Community Farmers' Market
PRESENTS
POOPAPALOOZA
A farm tour to make your garden grow
SAT, APRIL 7, 8AM - 2PM
For directions on your mobile device:
tinyurl.com/y6wwrg8a
LANCASTER AVE
Kopus aye?
ELMWOOD RD
FLAT HILL RD
FLAT HILL RD
PIci
buc
H & M
188 Flat H
Contact:
E-mail: he
Pickup s
$5 donati
the partici
1st 5 gallor
Your donal
Lunenburg
Hidden Warr
684 Flat Hill Rd.
Contact: Kim & Warr
E-mail: kim.a.mayhev
Manure Available: Go
===PAGE 10===
contact: Greg & Chrissy Bigham
afewofewe@comcast.net
manure available: sheep, llama, with turkey & chicken
Hidden Warren Homestead, Flat Hill Rd
kim.a.mayhew@gmail.com
contact: Kim & Warren Mayhew
manure available: goat & rabbit & chicken mix
Highland Farm, 173 Highland St
contact: Maureen & Jon Dupuis
highlandfarmlunenburg@gmail.com
manure available: multiple mixed, inquire at farm
In the Meadow Farm, 40 Page St
contact: Jackie & Gerald Chabot
inthemeadow40@gmail.com
manure available: alpaca with chicken & rabbit
Pine Fall Farm, 271 Elmwood Rd
contact: Tammy Callahan
tammy@pinefallfarm.com
manure available: horse
https://tinyurl.com/poopapalooza
===PAGE 11===
TEEN'S CENTER
LUNENBURG
PUBLIC
cate Pi
option
===PAGE 12===
With an annual market value of $102 million, making up 20% of the state's agricultural output, the cranberry
industry is the second largest agricultural sector in the state and ranks 20d nationally in cranberry production.
There are approximately 400 growers in the state, 70% of
MA Cash Receipts - 2012
by Commodity in $1,000 Dollars
Milk
Aquaculture $47,960
$21,900
which are small family farms with less than 20 acres of bogs.
Concern continues over market volatility as the result of
extreme oversupply due to increased domestic and
international production, met with stagnant demand, causing
prices to often fall far below the cost of production.
Vegetables
$60,885
The produce sector has an annual market value of $96 million
and nearly 1,600 producers, 40% growing vegetables and 60%
Other Crops
$41,096
growing fruit. Growers are preparing for the requirements
and implications of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Other
Livestock
and Poultry
$47,944
Other Fruits
$35,349
The dairy industry is a small but crițical part of the state's
agricultural economy, with a market value of $48 million. 155
dairy farms remain, the majority of which belong to
cooperatives, 16 of which produce, process, and market their own milk. Difficulty continues over managing
fluctuating federally set milk prices, paired with the high cost of production characteristic of the state..
With an annual market value of $48 million, the livestock and poultry sector has seen a large increase in demand
for local meats and poultry. Growers have access to the Boston market where consumers are willing to a pay a
premium for local products. However, concern continues over whether the state's producers can meet the
increasing momentum and demand for these products due to the limited number of slaughter and processing
facilities.
Farms by Slże, 2007 and 2012
The aquaculture industry is responsible for an annual
market value of nearly $22 million. With the
exception of a few major finfish producers; the
majority of the state's aquaculture is comprised of
approximately 300 shellfish farmers producing
primarily oysters and quahogs on 1,000 acres of
intertidal and sub-tidal land. In recent years, harvest
areas have faced challenges over managing
outbreaks of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacteria that
can cause gastrointestinal disease, and have adopted
practices to help minimize the risk of contamination
and illness.
RAINIAMENDON:
tersochiorib20lE
15710 499 ager
356s139 sores
Hisposa
3.X0
:.500
au: ot facin
-CENSUSO:
SAGHICULTURE
===PAGE 13===
AR Snapshot of Massachusetts Agriculture
USERS DEPARINEA
JLTURAL RESOURCE
Snapshot of Massachusetts Agriculture
NODEAR?
Parnu139
WORCESTER
Exer: 1563.
armina dicin 107.00%
an-m Value: 357.178,000
ST:FFOT.K
Ferdiand Actis: 24
*Wereer Vaius: 9160,000
BRISTO:
Legend
Percent Farmland
00m-29
3% - 145
8%%
10%
1143 - 13%
18%
1995
Stafe Summary Ezklehss.
Number of Farma
Aumagiselam latera)
Marked volue at egriculurel preducts sold
Uvestock, poultry, and their prosuct:
Fans with direst sales
Vakie of direet eries
Hired tomm Labor
ired Fam Patrol
BAHASTABLE
Firuz :333-
Farmand-lone: ama
azlot. value: 510/221,000
593.517
492.212.C00
E82935 00
309,336,000
2,20X
57.979,000
162 366,203
MDAR
21902020735
DUKES
Extrao. 88
*Tarmilant Prore: 15,917
Marict Vaine: 33,401,300
NANTUCAL:
Ear m3. 20
harket Yalue: $1,650
===PAGE 14===
Direct Marketing of Agricultural Products
FRANKLIN
Direct: Sales: $ 3,449,000
Number of Frums: 241.
MIDDLESEX
Direct Sales: 3 8,404,000
Number of Farms: 272
BERKSHIRE
Direct Salon: 1,886,000
Number of Pyme: 100-
WORCESTER
Direct SaleS 10,388.000
Number of Be ros: 505
Direct Bri
Number
0 4,450,00
нов: 221
ESSEX
Direct Sales: $ 5.472.000
Number of Farma: 119
SUFFOLK
- Direct Sales: $ 58,000
Number of Farma: 16
PLYMOUTI
Direct Sales: 3 1.788,000
Number of Farma: 157
BARNSTABLE ON
Dixect Snlea: $ 1,248,000
Number of Farms: S1
HAMPDEN
NORFOLK
Direct Sales: 92,544,000
Direct Sales: $ 2,440,000
Number of Farma: 144
Number of Farms: 53
Legend
Total
Value
Direct
Market
Sales: $47,909,000
Farmers' Markets
Total Farms: 2,206
Direct Sales per capita ($)
0.08
0.09 - 7.36
Direct Sales Vertes:
431 CSAs
287 Agrotourism farms
294 Farmers Markets
7.37 - 13.26
13.27 - 28.15
28.16 - 64.00
MDAR
и 52022
At nearly $48 million, the state ranks 5® in the
nation for direct market sales and 3d in the nation
for direct market sales per operation. Direct market
sales account for 10% of the state's total sales of
agricultural products.
Massachusetts ranks 6** in the nation for number of
farms with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA);
a 95% increase since 2007. Over this same time
period the state saw growth in agri-tourism sales of
127%
Salus nor:
1:092123033
80% of Massachusetts farms are family owned. 95%
fit the category of "small farms" according to the
USDA definition of sales below $250,000.
SCENSUS..
ARRIATEUR
BRISTOL
Direer Sales: 3 4,479,000
Number of Farms: 174
Data sources:
MassGIS, USDA 2012
DUKES
Direct Sales: $ 958,000
Number of Farms: 25
NANTUCKET
Direct Sales: 9 651,000
Number of Farms: S
Farms by Economic Class, 2007 and 2012
* Martotwietty 2012
20s5:
.2.00).
===PAGE 15===
AR
CHUSETTS DEPARTM
CULTURAL RESOURC
1,000 acres or more
500 to 999 acres
180 to 499 acres
Size in acres
50 tc 179 acres
10 to 49 acres
1 to 9 ăcres
_CENSUS or
& AGRICULTURE
YOUR VOICE YOUR FUTURE YOUS ESSI
ВЕСБІСЛЕЛЬЕ
Census Statistics: Farm Size
Farms by Size, 2007 and 2012
* Massachusetts Z007.
•i Massachusetts 2012
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
Number of farms.
2,500
3,000
3,500
===PAGE 16===
Agricultural Energy Grant Program (Ag-Energy) -
provides reimbursement of up to $20,000 and funds
projects pertaining to energy efficiency and
renewable initiatives.
Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program
(AEEP) - supports agricultural operations looking to
install conservation practices that prevent direct
impacts on water quality, ensure efficient use of
water, and address impacts on air quality.
Participants are reimbursed up to $25,000 for the
cost of materials and labor necessary for the
installation of the approved practice.
Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program
(AFSIP) - provides funding for agricultural operations
looking to upgrade their food safety measures,
thereby allowing them to maintain or increase their.
competitive market açcess while reducing food safety
risks. Participants are reimbursed up to $20,000 or
75% of the total project costs.
Agricultural Preservation Program (APR) - preserves
and protects agricultural land, including state
designated prime farmland soils, from being
developed into non-agricultural operations.
Participants are paid the agricultural value of the land
in exchange for a permanent covenant.
Commonwealth Quality Program (CQP) - assists
members in improving their farm operations in
order to maintain and improve market access. The
CQP seal helps consumers, buyers, and business
partners identify products produced and harvested
in Massachusetts. Members must incorporate food
safety practices and Best Management Practices
(BMPs) that promote environmental sustainability
and stewardship. Currently, CQP supports the
produce, forestry, lobster, aquaculture, dairy, and
maple sectors.
Massachusetts Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
(FMNP) - provides elders, women, and children in
the Federal Supplemental Food Program for
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), with coupons
redeemable at farmers' markets. Participation
benefits farmers with additional sales opportunities.
Farm Viability Program - improves the economic
viability of participating farms through the
development and implementation of farm viability
plans. Participants receive environmental; technical;
and business planning assistance to expand and
upgrade their existing operations.
Massachusetts Grown & Fresher - a logo program
for consumers to identify and purchase local
Massachusetts grown farm products, specialty
foods, and agri-tourism as well as culinary tourism
activates.
Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture Program
(MEGA) - offers individual business planning and
technical assistance to support the special needs of
beginning farmers. Financial assistance is available
for capital needed to implement strategies
recommended through the planning process.
Urban Agriculture - provides funding to address
challenges facing urban farmers and to support
municipalities with technical assistance with the
development of zoning ordinances, public
education, and land assessments.
For more information on all of MDAR's programs, please visit our website
www.mass.gov/agr
Topics discussed here will be covered in greater detail throughout the various
presentations of the NAAMO conference.
===PAGE 17===
AR
Census Statistics: Age of Operator
Principal Operators by Age Group, 2007 and 2012
a Massachusetts 2007
75 years and over
I Massachusetts 2012
55 to 74 yaars
55 to 54 years
Age Group
45 to 54 years
35 to 44 years
25 to 34 yaars
Under 25 years
500
1,000
1,500
mS C Numberot tarms
2,000
2,500
3,000
AGRICULTURE
YOUR WONDE YOUR FUTURE YOUR RESPONSERLINE
10
===PAGE 18===
Perspective:
AR U.S. National Agricultural Production
*MUSETTS DEPARTMENT
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Annual Agricultural Value
New England
1%
Massachusetts
• Total Agricultural Value
$395 Billion
• New England Total Value
$2.8 Billion
• Massachusetts Total Value
$492 Million
===PAGE 19===
AR
SEETA PERSONER
Increasing numbers of farms
Massachusetts Farms
Trends in Massachusetts Agriculture
Massachusetts Farmland
Number of Farms
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
524,000
Farmland (acres)
522,000
520,000
518,000
:516,000
1995
2000
2005
Year
2010
2015
• 1995
Consumer demand for locally produced foods
•Community Supported Agriculture (SAs)
•Farm Stands
•Farmers Markets
•Farm to School Programs
Boston Public Market
2000
2005
Year
2010
2015
Growth in Farmers Markets
Faru
300
250
200
150
:100
50
1990
1995 2000
2005
Year
2010
2015 2020
12
===PAGE 20===
AR Perspective: MA Agriculture
TTS DEPARTMENT
BRAL RESOURCES
Annual market value $492 million
7,755 farms
Over 523,000 acres
Average farm
• 68 acres
• $64,000 annually
Agricultural Processing and agricultural
support industries add value and jobs to
state's economy
===PAGE 21===
AR New Product Opportunities for Farmers
BICULTURAE RESOURCES
Farmers are moving from commodities to selling
services and value added products -
diversification/differentiation is key:
Agri-tourism, Culinary Tourism, Value Added products
SAVOR
2A52N06ESE
1xe: T0123, Yar
RIV
WINERY:
ARPOON
AND GRISE
TERSTOL
===PAGE 22===
AR
LOSERS DEPARTMEN
ULTURAL RESOURCES
762
37.249
17 884
7,013
24,814
18.027
20.012
National Trends in Agriculture
Number of Farms: 2012 Census of Agriculture
Change from 2007 Census of Agriculture
Massachusetts had a 1% increase in the
number of farms and a 1% increase in
land in farms. Land in farms saw a 14%
decrease in cropland and a 29% increase
in pastureland.
28.003
15,742
38,180
24221
30:961
31,989
49,969
243.810
80,245
74,6374
88.631
76.087 168 695
99,170
63,050
46,072
3600 43.,228
28.093
US: 2,109,383 *
75 462
(21,480
146.035
50,240
25,038
42 257
Legend
Decrease
increase.
* Indicates significant change
===PAGE 23===
AR Greenhouse and Nursery
Market value of $144,188,000
31% of MA agricultural output
Over 1,000 commercial greenhouse and nursery operations
•Potted plants
2,400
•Perennials
2:2090:
New Private Housing Starts,
TUS. Residential Housing Market Activity
2,000
•Bedding plants
1,800
1,600
•Cut flowers
1.400
• Vegetables & herbs
1,000 units
•Trees
600
400
00000.
Biggest Concerns:
•Competition (e.g. Home Depot, Lowes)
•Housing
• Marketplace uncertainty
Jan-04
18
===PAGE 24===
AR Fruits and Vegetables
ISETS DEPARIMENT
ITURAL RESOURCES
Market value of $103,354,000
1,634 Total Produce Farms
•1,428 Vegetable farms
•206 Fruit farms (excludes berry growers)
Biggest concern: Food Safety Modernization Act
• Economic Analysis based on FDA methodology:
• 166 farms covered by the rule
•Remainder falls under exemptions
22
===PAGE 25===
AR
ACHUSE
RICU
TS DEP
Dairy
Market value of $44,250,000
0% of MA agricultural output
147 dairy farms
producer dealers
13,000 milk cows
OWNED BY EUR FARM FAMILIESN
NEW YORK & NEW ENGLAND
савоя
Farmer Milk Prices
/alue added: Cheese guild
Dairy Tax Credit
biggest Concerns:
Fluctuating FMMO prices
COP > FMMO price
25.000
20.000
15.000
$/cwt
10.000
5.000
0.000
Аpr-01
• Jan-04
Oct-06
Jul-09
Apr-12:
Dec-14
Year
===PAGE 26===
AR
ETTS DEPARIMEN
TURAL RESOURCES
Livestock and Poultry
Livestock market value of $14,523,000
•Over 2,000 farms
Poultry market value of $11,748,000
•Over 1,200 farms
•Value-added
•Increasing demand
•People willing to pay a premium
Biggest concerns:
•Demand > supply
• Need for additional processing and
slaughterhouse facilities
28