Agricultural Advisory Committee

The City of Framingham's policy is to conserve, protect, and encourage the maintenance and improvement of agricultural land for the production of food and other agricultural products and also for its natural and ecological value.

To support that policy, the Agricultural Advisory Committee was established as Framingham's primary advocate for farming and agriculture. The committee is charged with administering the City’s Right-to-Farm Ordinance (Section 25) but does not have any regulatory / enforcement powers.

Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution ensures “the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development, and utilization of the agricultural…and other natural resources.” By stating that no local Zoning By-Law may prohibit, unreasonably regulate, or require a special permit for land use for agriculture's primary purpose, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 3, Paragraph 1 furthers this goal. Other state laws provide additional protection and incentives for agriculture.

The Committee shall consist of five members appointed by the Mayor for terms of three years each. At least three of the members shall be actively engaged in farming, forestry, or related activities. Up to four alternates may also be appointed by the Mayor. Any vacancy shall be filled by the Mayor for the unexpired term of the vacancy.

Members of the Agricultural Advisory Committee :

Our Role:

 The committee’s roles and responsibilities are as follows:

• Serve as a local voice advocating for farmers, farm-related businesses, and agricultural interests in general. 
• Provide visibility for farming in Framingham. 
• Work with other city departments/boards/commissions/committees on issues facing the town that affect agriculture. 
• Help resolve farm-related problems and/or conflicts. 
• Protect farmlands and natural resources.

Meeting Information:

Meeting dates/occurrence: The committee meets on an as-needed basis. Meeting Agendas and Minutes are available here Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information: Meeting Information:

Helpful Resources:

• Massachusetts Programs and Resources
• MA Department of Agricultural Resources
• UMass Cooperative Extension
  
• Sudbury Valley Trustees