Recently, I met Ian Bergemann, Acton’s Community Conservation Specialist, at the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market. He was staffing a booth for Acton’s Agricultural Commission, and recruiting for new members.
Although I’ve lived in Acton since 1978 and knew the town was historically a farming community, I wasn’t aware that the Town had an Agricultural Commission that:
- Promotes and enhances Acton’s agricultural resources.
- Raises public awareness and understanding of agricultural matters.
- Supports and represents farmers, farm businesses, and agricultural interests.
- Helps farmers address municipal issues or disputes concerning farms.
- Collaborates with other governmental entities or local groups that support agriculture to align agricultural-related activities.
- Will develop a comprehensive local agricultural plan that aligns, where feasible, with the existing town master plan and the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
So, I interviewed Bergemann via email. Here are my questions (Q) and his answers (A):
Q: Who are you? Tell us about yourself, your experience, education, skills, and interests.
A: I am the Community Conservation Specialist for the Town of Acton’s Conservation Division. I’m originally from coastal Connecticut and was fortunate enough to grow up in a town surrounded by tidal marshes, rocky granite outcroppings, and dense forested wetlands. In a lot of ways, Acton is just like my hometown but without the saltwater of Long Island Sound. I earned my B.S in Environmental Systems and Sustainability from Southern Connecticut State University in 2021. A year and half later, I earned my M.S in Environmental Studies from the same institution. I spent most of my collegiate career working for my university’s Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies and interning each summer for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. During this time, I was able to travel on three environmentally-focused study abroad trips, to South Africa, Malaysia, and Iceland. These opportunities continued to advance my passion for connecting people with nature and led to my position as President of the Friends of Outer Island, a local non-profit aimed at leading education, restoration, and preservation of Outer Island National Wildlife Refuge. Leaving Connecticut for Massachusetts was a big leap of faith, but I am continuing to enjoy every moment of it and continuing to pursue my passion to connect people with nature through unique volunteer opportunities and hands-on learning.
Q: What is the Acton Agricultural Commission?
A: The Acton Agricultural Commission is a town committee that represents and advocates for Acton’s agricultural community. The dedicated group of volunteers are tasked with promoting and developing the agricultural resources within Acton, educating the community on emerging agricultural threats and sustainable practices, supporting Acton’s agricultural economy through multidisciplinary approaches, merging agricultural and town goals, and coordinating agricultural related activities with government bodies or unofficial local groups or organizations that promote agriculture. The Commission is evolving and welcoming new ideas on how to best support Acton’s long history as an agricultural community and continue to adapt and sustain itself. The Commission is chaired by Heidi Porten of Cucurbit Farm.
Q: When was the Agricultural Commission formed?
A: As a result of the 2019 passage of Acton’s Right to Farm By-laws, the Acton Agricultural Commission was formed. They held their first meeting in September 2020.
Q: Where is some of the local farming in Acton?
A: Local farming in Acton can be found in multiple locations and through a variety of methods. Traditional crop farming operations can be seen concentrated along Route 2 coming from Concord to Acton, with additional farms seen on Martin St, Parker St, and Central St. Horse and mixed animal farms are also seen along Pope Rd and Martin St, with a few outliers on Nagog Hill Rd., Liberty St., Prospect St., and Esterbrook Rd. Another type of agriculture in Acton is forestry, which consists of nearly 54% of all farmland in Acton. These operations are scattered throughout the town but prominently seen along Strawberry Hill Rd, Nagog Hill Rd, and Quarry Rd. Forestry lands are identified by their enrollment in the Commonwealth’s Chapter 61 tax program.
Q: Why is agriculture an important feature of our community?
A: Agriculture is integral to Acton’s identity as a self-sustaining and environmentally friendly community. The history of agricultural practices within Acton underscores its critical role in creating local food systems, protecting farmland of local importance, and striving to meet the needs of future generations. The Acton community continues to embrace its past, present, and future agricultural resources. This is evident with the creation of the Town’s community gardens, adoption of the Right to Farm By-law, and the completion of a draft copy of the Acton Comprehensive Agricultural Plan. The State’s release of the Massachusetts Farmland Action Plan 2023- 2050 summarizes exactly why agriculture is an important feature of our community. “Agriculture is the bedrock of many of our communities and plays a vital role in protecting our food system, maintaining the rural character and heritage of our towns, and providing economic opportunities at the local level.”
Q: How can residents join Acton’s Agricultural Commission?
A: Residents that would like to join or learn more about Acton’s Agricultural Commission are welcome to email Ian Bergemann at ibergemann@actonma.gov. Additionally, the Acton Agricultural Commission’s website has its agendas, past minutes, and charter posted. That link is available here: https://www.acton-ma.gov/699/Agricultural-Commission.
Greg Jarboe is the Council on Aging beat reporter for the Acton Exchange. He is also a member of the Acton Finance Committee.
Correction, Nov. 11, 2024: Ian Bergemann has had a recent promotion to Community Conservation Specialist. The article as published referred to him by his prior title, Land Stewardship Coordinator. The text has been updated. Congratulations, Ian!