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Committee outlines plan to inventory local farming and explore an agricultural zone
Summary
Staff proposed creating an agricultural resources inventory (active farms, PA490 parcels, employment and economic value) to inform a potential agricultural zoning district; committee members suggested outreach to market managers, land conservancy groups and local farmers to understand land demand and support policies.
Nick presented an initial framework for an agricultural resources effort aimed at supporting farming in Bloomfield and informing an agricultural zone. The proposed work would inventory active farming practices, PA490 properties, employment, and economic value; engage local farmers and nonprofits; and research state and municipal policy options.
Committee members recommended starting the outreach with known local partners — Laura Palandra (the farmers market manager), the land conservancy and community gardens — and using state lists and PA490 registration as initial data sources. Members said inventorying demand for farmland (people who want to farm but lack land) is important for matching local needs to available sites.
Why it matters: the effort is intended to produce a fact base to justify a zoning district or targeted policies (licenses, backyard chickens, farm support) and to collect evidence for related Sustainable CT actions.
Next steps: staff will refine the inventory framework, convene outreach with local partners, and return to the committee with a more detailed scope and suggested policy options.
