Agricultural commission a growing idea
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Bill Foster has been farming in Ashburnham and Westminster for more than 50 years, but he sees this as the time for Westminster to form an agricultural commission and to institute a right-to-farm bylaw.

"We are getting crowded out by houses," Foster said.

Foster owns and runs Wind Haven Farm on Overlook Road in Westminster and his daughter runs Foster's original farm, Wildwood Farm on Woods Road in Ashburnham. The first meeting to discuss a potential agricultural commission is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19, in the Selectmen's Chamber of Town Hall.

"We're trying to figure out there is an interest," said Town Planner Alicia Altieri. "If the farmers don't want to do it we won't push it." Foster said he believes there is interest from those who live and work in town.

Altieri said the general purpose of the commission is to provide a voice for the community's agricultural culture. At this time, the town is providing a large definition of agricultural, including raising animals and growing plants, as well as forestry and logging work.

"When you look around, there is a lot more in town then you are originally aware of," Altieri said.

Foster works the 10 acres of farmland on Overlook Road and rents about 200 acres of farmland in abutting towns.

Foster raises diary heifers here and some diary beef as well as feed for other farmers.

The 10 acres Foster owns in Westminster belonged to his inlaws before it belonged to him.

"It's been a farm since it's beginning," he said. "The house was probably built in the mid-1700s."

Foster said an agricultural commission would help with marketing, farm stands, creating a right-to-farm bylaw and other community issues.

The group's first meeting will feature Cheryl Lekstrom, a consultant from the state Department of Agricultural Commission. She will work with those who are interested in developing a commission geared to meet the needs of Westminster residents.

Foster said that for a time he had problems with his neighbors because they would complain about a variety of the noises, the smells and the use of herbicides. The beavers are also causing problems because the animals build dams, which flood much of the area farmland.

Foster is a proponent for local farming for a variety of reasons, but said it is getting hard to support the way of life.

"The further away your food is raised, the more it's going to cost," he said.

He said it is harder to get people to haul feed short distances. For example it is difficult to find someone to bring feed from Westminster to Vermont. There are only a few companies that have the correct equipment because of the costs associated with hauling.

Foster said he doesn't see a lack of interest in farming by the upcoming generation.

"I see a lot of interest. I see a lot of problems too, getting the education is one," he said. "The capital for the land and the equipment (is another)."

There are a few programs to help farmers either start a farm or continue it but those programs aren't enough to support the industry, he said.