Agriculture Commission Proposes Right to Farm Ordinance

Durham's Agriculture Commission is asking the town to support its farmers by adopting a local Right to Farm ordinance.

The ordinance was proposed during Monday night's Board of Selectmen meeting by Agriculture Commission chairman Warren Herzig and member Fred Mastele.

While the state already has a Right to Farm law, Herzig said a local ordinance would "set a statement" that Durham supports agriculture and will continue to do so.

"I think it sends a message to the Ag operators in town that the town supports them and their efforts and I think going forward if families wish to continue or if other people are interested in trying to set up in a farm I think it sets a statement that the town, provided that you follow generally accepted practices, supports you," Herzig said.

Such ordinances, according to a legislative review conducted last year, protect farmers from certain nuisance laws, regulations, and ordinances concerning odor, noise, and other objectionable farming by-products.

If adopted, Herzig explained, farms would still be subject to the oversight of the town's commissions and boards, including the Planning and Zoning Commission.

"There are times when sometimes a farming operation would not be congruent with a neighborhood, and I like that there is now someone that maybe could help adjudicate that," said First Selectman Laura Francis.

Selectmen voted to send the proposal to a public hearing on Monday, March 26. The hearing will be held at 8 p.m. at town hall.