Letter: Learn how Article 38 can help Westport and its farms

Posted 4/26/16

To the editor:

All residents, farmers, members of town voards, voters and supporters of the agricultural community here in Westport are encouraged to attend an evening of information and …

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Letter: Learn how Article 38 can help Westport and its farms

Posted

To the editor:

All residents, farmers, members of town voards, voters and supporters of the agricultural community here in Westport are encouraged to attend an evening of information and discussion regarding Article 38 on the Westport Town Meeting warrant. 

Thursday, April 28, at 6 p.m. there will be an information session held at the Westport Grange (931 Main Rd - Westport) to learn more about this proposed zoning by-law amendment which seeks to clarify definition of agriculture and agritourism in Westport within our zoning bylaws.

For more than a decade, Westport has been defined as a ‘Right to Farm Community.’ This designation, adopted into the general by-laws of the town, provides for the formation of our Agricultural Commission and asserts that, “whatever impact may be caused to others through the normal practice of agriculture is more than offset by the benefits of farming to the neighborhood, community, and society in general.”  Including guidelines for agritourism along with a clearer definition of agriculture in the zoning bylaws will allow the Planning and Zoning Boards the framework necessary for effective, proactive decision making. 

As the economic landscape has shifted over the last decade, agritourism has become a vital part of local farms’ economic stability. From hay rides and harvest festivals to music or farm-to-table meals on the farm, agritourism provides crucial marketing opportunities that connect the general public with local agriculture. It is important to the long-term success of our farms that we, as a town, understand how to support our growing population and maintain and nurture our agricultural heritage and, hopefully, future. 

Bob, Carol, Rob and Bill Russell

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

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