Agricultural Commission

Regular Meetings

  • Agricultural Commission 2025 Schedule of Meetings
  • 6:30 PM
  • 1st Wednesday of every Quarter (first Wednesday of the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months).
  • Meetings are held in the North Conference Room, City Hall, 718 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA, except as noted on schedule above.
  • All Meetings are open to the public.

Agendas & Minutes

View most recent agendas and minutes

Current Commissioners

  • Evan Halstead, Chair
  • Dominic Iacopino, Secretary
  • James K. Momanyi
  • Ingrid Wheeler
  • Janet Morrison, Advisor

Purpose

The Agricultural Commission’s purpose is to represent the farming community, encourage the pursuit of agriculture, promote agricultural economic development and protect farmlands and farm businesses, and preserve, revitalize and sustain agricultural businesses and land. The Commission shall further exercise all powers and responsibilities granted by Chapter 3 Article 36 of the City Code.

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8L, the Agricultural Commission has the authority to “(b)(i) buy, hold, manage, license or lease land for agricultural purposes; … (vi) receive grants, gifts, bequests or devises of money or personal property of any nature and interests in real property in accordance with this section; (vii) apply for, receive, expend and act on behalf of the municipality in connection with federal and state grants or programs or private grants related to local agriculture, with the approval of the mayor…”

Organization

The Commission is comprised of five volunteer commissioners and two associate members who shall be substantially engaged in either the pursuit of agriculture or forestry or supporters of agriculture and shall either be residents of Fitchburg or owners and farmers of agriculture or forestry with the City.

Commissioners are appointed for a three year term by the Mayor and are subject to City Council approval.

Right to Farm

Massachusetts and the City of Fitchburg protect the Right to Farm. See our summary of the Massachusetts Right To Farm Law and Fitchburg’s Right to Farm By-law.

Farmland Map

Fitchburg has prime farmland soil and several conserved parcels of farmland. Here's a map that shows where they are located in the City.

Current Information

Please see Mission and Goals and Farm Conservation.

Make a Donation

Help the Agricultural Commission by donating to the Agricultural Preservation Fund.