Agricultural Commission
Town of Princeton, MA Agricultural Commission
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
Town Hall Annex and GoToMeeting
Commission Members present in person: Eddie Good, Chair, John Mirick, and Chad Steiner
Commission Members absent: Dylan Stimson
Public Participation in person: Susan Connell, Dianna Gruber-Markley, and Lisa Prozzo
Remote Participation: None
Call to order: 7:00 pm
Minutes
The minutes for the September 27, 2023 were approved.
Farmer’s Market
To date, only three vendors have expressed interest, two of whom are Ag Comm members. Our target for a viable farmers market is 20 vendors. Eddie passed our copies of vendor interest forms and encouraged Ag Comm members to distribute them. Without more interest, a farmers market is not feasible. Susan encouraged using Facebook and Nextdoor. Chad thinks our concept of 1st and 3rd Sundays is good, but he cannot work on nailing down times or locations until there is a critical mass of interested vendors. The Barn is a likely location for an outdoor market. The carriage house at Mountainside Café, or the Town Hall Annex, could be locations for a winter market.
Programs
Rattle Root Farm
This is confirmed for Wednesday, October 25 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall Annex. John encouraged members to send emails with invitations. He will see about a town-wide email, and notices in the Landmark and in the Redemption Rock News.
Presentation on Grants
Eddie reports that USDA will participate. Chad is making contacts with MDAR. USDA presenter might have MDAR contact. If necessary, we will just present with USDA. Date is January 24, with January 31 and February 7 as snow dates.
Starting and Operating a Homestead
Target is a program in April. Program should probably have 4-5 presenters, each one concentrating on a different area (poultry, livestock, vegetables, fruit, building, etc.) to increase appeal. Some non-Ag Comm and out-of-town presenters would be good.
Farm Day
In May, with date and location(s) to be determined.
Future Programs
Eddie mentioned possible program by a friend who runs a garden center of next year.
Administrative Business
Selectboard has not yet acted on applications of Susan Connell, Dianna Gruber-Markley, or Lisa Prozzo. Eddie will nudge the Selectboard.
Next meetings
Wednesday October 25, 2023 Rattle Root Program at 7:00 in Town Hall Annex
Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 8:00 pm (virtual only)
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 7:00 – regular meeting in Town Hall Annex with virtual option
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
John Mirick