Two approved for Mattapoisett Agricultural Commission
Selectmen voted in two Mikes to the Agricultural Commission on Tuesday, filling seats left vacant by Cheryl Randall and George Randall.
The Agricultural Commission was setup five years ago to represent and promote agriculture in town as well as to advocate for farmers, explained Town Administrator Mike Gagne.
“It’s an important knowledge base for issues when they arise,” he said. “Right now what our Agriculture Commission has worked on and will be bringing to Town Meeting is a right to farm bylaw.”
Mike Dubuc and Mike King both have experiences with agriculture.
Dubuc moved to Mattapoisett from Lakeville last summer and is in charge of cranberry companies in Quebec and Massachusetts.
“I figured I’m in agriculture, maybe I can throw my hat in,” said Dubuc, who became part of the Capital Planning Committee last December.
Dubuc said he deals with finances for his work and has many contacts in the cranberry industry.
“I’d say you’re qualified,” said Selectman Jordan Collyer. “I think it’s a good fit.”
Next up was King, who owns Wyandotte Farm with his wife, Elizabeth.
“I embarked on a three-year odyssey to get to the point where I am now, which was learning the regulatory process,” he said.
King spent the last several years setting up his own small farm, which could be helpful for other would-be farmers. He also said his position on the Conservation Commission and knowledge of wetlands could be valuable.
“In this part of the country, most interactions in agriculture encroach on wetland areas,” King said.
He suggested working with people interested in the growing homesteading movement as well.
Selectmen responded positively to King’s proposals.
“I think it’s nice to have someone who worked through the system, so to speak,” said Collyer. “I am all for right to farm and farm to table and all that stuff. It does nothing less than benefit the community.”