Boards & Commissions

Agricultural Advisory Committee

horizontal rule Bernards Township Agricultural Advisory Committee

English Farm

WHAT BERNARDS FARMERS PROUDLY PRODUCE, GROW, RAISE AND SELL?

Peaches, Apples, Apricots, and Grapes

Tomatoes, Peppers, Hot Peppers, Honey, Asparagus, Eggs, Corn, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Beans, Broccoli, Lettuce, Squash, Okra, Egg Plant, Zucchini, Herbs, Gourds, Indian Corn, Flowers, and Ferns

Cows, Horses, Chickens, Sheep, Goats, Pigs and Donkeys

Mission Statement:

The Committee is responsible for promoting and preserving agriculture as a viable economic activity within Bernards Township and enabling agricultural enterprises to continue to contribute to the quality of life in the community. The Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Board and Township Committee as to municipal land use procedures that strengthen and sustain agriculture and advises on legislative and regulatory issues pertaining to agriculture. It also serves as a forum for discussion of local agricultural practices and as an agent of change for public policies that may impact farming and the preservation of farmland.

Goals:

  • Identify issues facing local agricultural enterprises and provide recommendations for resolution
  • Continue the sustainable use of economically viable farmland for production through farmland preservation options
  • Promote local agriculture through municipal activities
  • Provide education to agricultural community to meet future economic challenges
  • Promote community interest in agriculturally related activities
  • Foster responsible stewardship of land
  • Promote communication and cooperation among farmers and the public
  • Communicate, educate and promote contributions made by agriculture to the local community

 

Membership:

The Agricultural Advisory Committee is made up of five members and two alternate members. In addition, the Agricultural Advisory Committee includes staff, consultants and liaisons to county and state organizations appointed at the beginning of each year when it reorganizes.

Name Membership Term Expires
Anthony McCraken Sr. Advisor12/31/2018
Carol EnglishRegular12/31/2018
Catherine SorgeRegular12/31/2018
James Baldassare, Jr.TC Voting Member12/31/2020
Mariellen KeefeRegular12/31/2020
Nick PolaninAdvisor12/31/2018
Tom Timko Advisor12/31/2018
Tyson Mertz Regular12/31/2020

Meeting Schedule:

The Agricultural Advisory Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday after the 1st Monday , Quarterly.

Contact:

AgriculturalAdvisory@bernards.org

Learn more about Agriculture and Food Production
Sources for Presentations on Agriculture

Download the Bernards Township Agricultural Task Force Report & Recommendations to the Bernards Township Committee.