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Norwell farm project moves forward

E-mail|Link|Comments () Posted November 12, 2009 10:59 AM

By L.E. Crowley, Town correspondent

As part of a plan to develop a Community Sustained Agriculture program, the town of Norwell is seeking a farm manager to develop and oversee the project.

“We’re hiring the manager to get the ball rolling, said Gregg McBride, chairman of the Community Preservation Committee.

McBride said the committee has allocated about $50,000 to hire the manager, who will help officials identify current farms and town lands that might be developed for agriculture purposes.

He said many questions still have not been answered as the town launches the program. "We’re just getting started,” McBride said.

McBride said the program could be similar to one created by the Trustees of Reservations in Dover.

Proposals for the farm manager job are expected back at Town Hall Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. McBride said he expects the committee to interview those who submit proposals.

He said Norwell has several properties that could be developed into a farm that grows vegetables, grains or other things. McBride said individuals could buy shares in the farm and during harvest time pick up produce for their own use.

Currently, McBride said, the town leases two properties for $1 a year and local farmers cut the hay and fertilize the land. McBride said those properties could be utilized for a town farm, or the town could reach out to people already farming and set up a deal for a community sustained project.

“The manager will help us identify which of those lands or properties is best for the purpose,” McBride said.