The Agricultural Commission is an advisory commission only. However, it provides a voice for the farming community and improve the visibility of agriculture in Sudbury. It provides a network for farmers to assist them with resources that are available as far as business, estate, and conservation planning; as well as financial assistance, state and federal grants, plus educational opportunities.

The Agricultural Commission is a valuable source of input for farming issues that arise. It also provides an agricultural perspective to assure the rich agricultural tradition of Sudbury is not inadvertently disadvantaged. It is an advocate for current and future regulations and benefit existing and future farms in Sudbury, as well as develop a working relation with State and Federal legislators.

The Commission will open lines of communication with Sudbury's Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, Planning and Zoning Boards by providing input on agricultural issues brought before the boards; therefore, allowing it to serve as an advocate, mediator, or negotiator with respect to farming complaints, issues, and regulations.

Preserving the farmland resource is the basic first step to keeping agriculture healthy and active in our local economy. If agriculture is to prosper and be sustainable in Sudbury, it must be able to apply generally acceptable agricultural practices, market its production, and live in harmony with neighbors. The Commission encourages the pursuit of agriculture as a career opportunity and lifestyle by supporting Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, a statewide program.

• Email: agricultural@sudbury.ma.us