Greenfield Assistant City Clerk Quinn Jaquins officiated the swearing-in ceremony for the Planning and Construction Committee’s John F. Shultis, Emily Boss of the Conservation Commission, and David Johnson and Elizabeth Nett of the Agricultural Commission at City Hall on Thursday.
In a separate occasion, Quinn Jaquins administered the oath to Denise Leonard as a new member of the Agricultural Commission on Friday at City Hall, documented by STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ.
GREENFIELD — Following a hiatus of more than four years, the Agricultural Commission has been reinvigorated with the addition of three new members.
The recent appointees—Elizabeth Nett, David Johnson, and Denise Leonard—formally took their oaths at City Hall on Thursday and Friday afternoons.
Operating as an advisory body to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and various boards and committees, the commission is tasked with advocating for agriculture, educating the public on farming practices, and spearheading initiatives to support farming methods, protect farmland, and uphold agricultural traditions.
As per Matt Conway, the Communications Director, the commission ceased operations in 2019 and was disbanded entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conway disclosed that since assuming his position in 2019, the Mayor’s Office had received numerous requests from residents to reinstate the commission.
Conway underscored the commission’s importance in a rural area like Greenfield, Franklin County, where agricultural landscapes are prominent. He stressed the need for fostering conversations and addressing the agricultural needs of the community.
Elizabeth Nett, a new commissioner and member of the Franklin County Beekeepers Association, acknowledged the importance of reestablishing the commission after a neighbor’s improper beekeeping incident. This event prompted her to advocate for educational programs on safe agricultural practices, particularly in beekeeping and animal husbandry.
David Johnson, a longtime Greenfield resident and former farm owner in New Hampshire, aims to push for more flexible livestock regulations for small farms in the region. He intends to collaborate with neighboring towns to formulate practical farming ordinances that benefit local farmers.
Denise Leonard, a seasoned farmer with extensive experience in sheep farming, seeks to preserve Greenfield’s agricultural heritage and uphold the town’s Right to Farm ordinance enacted in 2002. She aims to educate the community on the significance of local agriculture and the advantages of supporting local produce.
The revival of the Agricultural Commission symbolizes a renewed dedication to promoting sustainable farming practices and conserving Greenfield’s agricultural heritage.
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