Mattapoisett’s roots in the shipbuilding industry are rich and well documented. But take a short trip through the town’s history, through the local museum, or up Acushnet or River Roads, and you’ll find plenty of evidence that agriculture was once a necessary and important part of daily life for this seacoast community.
Looking back, Mattapoisett’s history blends coastal activities, like fishing and boatbuilding, with farming, just a few miles away, which supported it all. Without farming, the population would not have been able to feed its growing population. Today, Mattapoisett’s farming community is a tiny fragment of what it once was. Yet there are community members who are working to keep the historic farming activities alive and well.
The Nunes and Randall families are two of several in Mattapoisett whose interest in agricultural pursuits runs deep in the bloodlines. The families have several members on Mattapoisett ‘s Agricultural Commission. Their desire to preserve farming and agricultural pursuits in Mattapoisett stems from generations of devotion to the land and commitment to a farming heritage.
The Massachusetts State website answers the following questions about agricultural commissions: What is an Agricultural Commission (AgCom)? A town agricultural commission (AgCom) is a standing committee of town government, created through a vote of Town Meeting and appointed by the Board of Selectmen or governing body of the town. AgComs represent the farming community, encourage the pursuit of agriculture, promote agricultural economic development and protect farmlands and farm businesses, and preserve, revitalize and sustain agricultural businesses and land. In some communities they focus on farmland preservation efforts, while in others they review regulatory proposals developed by other town boards (planning board, board of health, conservation commission, etc), or provide marketing coordination to assist all farms in town. Others have played key roles in mediating farmer/neighbor disputes, or simply providing referrals for farmers needing better information. By working within town government through an AgCom, farmers enhance their credibility, and are viewed as part of the problem-solving team. What does an AgCom do? Serves as a local voice advocating for farmers, farm businesses and farm interests, provides visibility for farming, works with other town boards about issues facing the town that affect agriculture, helps resolve farm related problems or conflicts, protects farmland and natural resources. Who can start an AgCom? Any local resident or group concerned about their communities’ farming, farm businesses, growth, rural character, open space, etc. can start organizing support for an AgCom. Why are town AgComs formed? Many towns trying to balance growth and quality of life issues are creating AgComs. The intent of an AgCom is simple: protect agricultural lands, preserve rural character, provide a voice for farmers, and encourage agricultural based businesses.
The Mattapoisett’s Agricultural Commission is committed to all of those elements. Bob Spooner, one of the Chairmen of the commission, said, “We want to preserve the heritage of farming in Mattapoisett.” There have also been instances where the commission has been able to successfully mediate the interests of residents and abutting farmers. Spooner shared the story of a farmer who was fighting an endless battle with crows in his cornfield by using explosive discharges from early morning until evening. Residents at their wits end were able to reach a compromise with the aid of the Agricultural Commission.
As the Mattapoisett Agricultural Commission continues to scope out just how they will impact the local farming community, board members – Chairman Bob Spooner, Cheryl Randall, Shi Major, George Randall, Jess Collier, Gerald Randall, and Pierce Randall, many of whom have backgrounds in farming – will continue to partner with other boards and commissions in town to assist in maintaining a farming culture before it is lost to future generations.
The commission members receive some limited financial support from the residents through a vote at Town Meeting. The State Regulations state: Each town should decide what is an appropriate budget for the AgCom. Existing AgCom budgets range from $0 to $1,000 per year.
Massachusetts regulations also note: Unlike some other town committees, AgComs do not operate under regulatory authority from the Commonwealth. While town conservation commissions implement the State Wetlands Protection Act and planning boards enforce the local zoning code, AgComs are created at Town Meeting to represent farming interests in the town – but they do not have any legal mandate or enforcement authority.
Additional details for Agricultural Commissions as noted on the state’s website also include: adopting local right-to-farm by-laws, raising monies for farmland protection and economic development, starting local farmer’s market, providing mediation and conflict resolution on farm related disputes within town, collaborating with other town boards on development proposals, educating town residents about the value of agriculture in the community, holding educational workshops on intergenerational transfer of property, Chapter 61 lands, farm viability, agricultural preservation restrictions, and obtaining technical assistance on nonpoint source pollution, conservation farm planning, manure management, and environmental stewardship.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Agricultural Commission is February 1 at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to come and learn more about the farming history in Mattapoisett.
By Marilou Newell
