Towns are enabled to establish Agricultural Commissions as local land use boards for the purpose of promoting and enhancing local agriculture and protecting agricultural resources. Because of the connection between supporting the local agricultural economy and preventing the conversion of agricultural land to development, this has been identified as one of several, interrelated strategies to manage growth in CTAP communities.

How would Supporting Local Agriculture help our Town?

Supporting local farms can benefit communities in many ways. Farms provide jobs, maintain the working landscape, and draw tourists. Typically, agriculture is a net gain for a town, providing more in tax revenue than it requires in public services. Well-managed farms provide environmental services such as flood storage lands, wildlife habitat, wetland protection, and groundwater recharge. Finally, local farms produce fresh, local food, fiber, timber, and other products of high quality for local markets, and support a sense of community.

As growth and development occurs, it can threaten agricultural land, which often occupies relatively flat areas with good soils – the most attractive places to build. Once the land is developed, it rarely returns to agricultural use, signifying a permanent loss of production. Residential development can result in a higher tax burden due to increased public service costs such as road maintenance, emergency services, and schools.  The conversion of the agricultural landscape to developed land uses can contribute to the loss of rural character that many New Hampshire communities prize.

Agricultural protection and support can help towns focus development in desired areas, protect natural resources, grow the local economy, and support a vital sense of community. Such activities can help to achieve a community’s articulated vision in the Master Plan.

Additional Resources

Creating an Agricultural Commission in Your Hometown by Lorraine Stuart Merrill

NH RSA 674:44-e, 674:44-f, 674:44-g enabling Agricultural Commissions

NH RSA 21:34-a Definition of Agriculture

Is Your Town Farm Friendly? A Checklist for Sustaining Rural Character by Gary Matteson

Is Our Town Farm Friendly? A Skit of Rural Characters

Sustaining Agriculture in the Granite State: A Citizen's Guide to Restoring Our Local Foods, Farms and Independence by Jeremy Lougee

Town of Lee 2007 Warrant Article to Establish an Agricultural Commission

Town of Lee Cost of Community Services Study

Town of Lee Master Plan - Agriculture

Town of Lee Agriculture and Farming Definitions

Town of Lee Sign Ordinance