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Easton Agricultural Commission approves 2026 calendar, reviews Christmas tree program and PA-490 petition
Summary
At a Jan. 14 special meeting, the Easton Agricultural Commission approved its 2026 meeting schedule, reviewed first-year results of the town’s Christmas Tree Capital Program and discussed a petition to the Connecticut General Assembly about PA-490 farmland reassessments.
Chair Jake Conover called the Easton Agricultural Commission to order at 7:46 p.m. on Jan. 14 in the Easton Public Library Community Room. The commission voted 6-0 to adopt its 2026 regular meeting schedule, which will continue to meet on the second Thursday of most months at 7:45 p.m.; there will be no regular meetings in July or August.
Commission members reviewed the commission’s first year stewarding the town’s Christmas Tree Capital Program. Members said social media engagement and press coverage were favorable, the town-hall event was well-attended, and farmers’ anecdotal feedback was positive; the commission plans to follow up with a formal survey of growers to guide future programming. Members also discussed shifting promotional activity earlier in the season for 2026, aiming to begin promotions in early November after local farmers reported a trend of shoppers buying trees before Thanksgiving this year.
The commission discussed updating its page on the Town of Easton website to provide timely resources for farmers, including links to the Fairfield County Farm Bureau and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture newsletter, which the members said carries information about grants and other programs relevant to growers.
Members also reviewed a petition brought to their attention by local farmers and addressed to the Connecticut General Assembly and state officials. The petition raised concerns about 2025 reassessed taxable land values under PA-490 and how those changes affect farmland assessments and taxes. The minutes record the discussion but do not show a formal motion or vote on the petition.
Chair Conover moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.; Recording Secretary Amy Wolfcale seconded and the motion passed 6-0. Minutes were submitted by Recording Secretary Amy Wolfcale.
