Agricultural Commission
Town of Princeton, MA Agricultural Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2023
Town Hall Annex and GoToMeeting
Commission Members present in person: Eddie Good, Chair, John Mirick, Lisa Prozzo (alternate),and Dylan Stimson
Commission Members remote: Chad Steiner
Commission Members absent: Susan Connell (alternate) and Dianna Gruber-Markley
Public Participation in person: None
Public Participation Remote: None
Call to order: 7:15 pm
Minutes
The minutes for the October 11, 2023 were approved.
Farmer’s Market
To date, only four vendors have expressed interest, two of whom are Ag Comm members. The Commission decided to suspend recruiting possible vendors, and to revisit the concept of a farmer’s market in 2024.
Programs
Rattle Root Farm
The program on October 25 was well-received, with an audience of about 20 people. There were good questions. Several people in the audience were enthusiastic customers of Rattle Root. Notices on the town-wide email, in the Landmark, and in the Redemption Rock News worked well, and should be used for future programs. Rattle Root will participate in Farm Day next spring.
Presentation on Grants
Eddie and Chad are working on the program and trying to line up an MDAR presenter to join with the USDA presenter. If necessary, we will just go with USDA. Date is January 24, with January 31 and February 7 as snow dates.
Starting and Operating a Homestead
The Commission discussed a title for the program other than “homesteading” which might have only a limited appeal. “Agricultural Questions and Answers,” “Raising Your Own Food,” “Self-Sufficiency in the 21st Century” were thrown out as possibilities. Deciding on a title and theme will be subject for next meeting, as well as identification of possible presenters. Current thinking is 4-5 presenters, each on a different topic, to attract as large an audience as possible. Program would be in April.
Farm Day
In May, with date and location(s) to be determined.
Future Programs
The Commission discussed possibilities for future programs. Composting, manure management, fruit and orchard management, and livestock parasites could be possibilities.
Administrative Business
Selectboard appointed Dianna Gruber-Markley to fill the vacancy, and Susan Connell and Lisa Prozzo as alternates.
Next meetings
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:00 – regular meeting in Town Hall Annex with virtual option.
Commission decided to discontinue the second (virtual) monthly meeting.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
John Mirick